Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee Transfer Saga Takes Fresh Turn
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee finds himself at the centre of renewed transfer speculation as Italian giants Juventus have reportedly resumed talks for the Dutch forward. This development comes despite previous indications that the player would remain at Old Trafford following discussions with manager Michael Carrick.
Juventus Revive Interest After Roma Move Collapses
The situation represents a significant shift in Zirkzee's immediate future. Earlier in the January transfer window, AS Roma had emerged as serious contenders for his signature. However, their interest waned following the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim and the subsequent appointment of Carrick at Manchester United.
The new United boss held direct conversations with Zirkzee, successfully persuading him that his career prospects were best served by remaining with the Premier League club. This intervention prompted Roma to pursue alternative targets, securing the signings of Donyell Malen from Aston Villa and Robinio Vaz from Marseille instead.
Juventus Director Speaks Out as Deadline Approaches
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have now re-entered the picture after experiencing frustration in their primary transfer pursuit. The Turin-based club had been attempting to sign Fenerbahce forward Youssef En-Nesyri, but those negotiations have reached an impasse.
Juventus sporting director Giorgio Chiellini addressed the situation publicly, stating: "The situation is pretty clear. We went to speak to the player, he expressed a few doubts on the formula of the transfer, so for us right now the negotiations are over. We cannot and do not want to buy him outright. We'll see over the next few days if there are any developments or other opportunities, but for us it is over."
This statement has paved the way for Juventus to redirect their attention towards Zirkzee as the January transfer window enters its final days.
Zirkzee's Mixed Fortunes at Manchester United
The 24-year-old forward joined Manchester United from Bologna in 2024 but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. His statistics reveal a challenging adaptation period, with just nine goals in 65 appearances across all competitions since his arrival.
Compounding his difficulties, Zirkzee has been unavailable for Carrick's first two matches in charge due to injury, further limiting his opportunities to impress the new management team.
Teammate Support and Broader Juventus Interest
Despite his limited impact, Zirkzee retains support within the Manchester United dressing room. Teammate Matheus Cunha recently voiced his backing for the Dutch international, saying: "Josh is a pleasure. I feel like he has a lot of quality. Of course, his situation is not easy, but he has everything to change the situation. We need him. He needs to understand this and then everyone can count on him. We are here to push him."
Interestingly, Zirkzee is not the only Premier League player attracting Juventus's attention as the transfer deadline approaches. Reports suggest the Italian club are also monitoring Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa as a potential addition to their squad.
This renewed interest from Juventus creates a complex decision for Manchester United's hierarchy. They must weigh Zirkzee's potential against his current output, while considering both the player's desire for regular football and the financial implications of any potential transfer as the January window rapidly approaches its conclusion.
