Despite a professional stance and flashes of his technical brilliance, Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Old Trafford appears to be heading toward a summer crossroads.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old Dutch forward is “highly likely” to return to Italy this summer, with Juventus leading the chase to reunite him with his former mentor.
The “Motta Connection” at Juventus
The most concrete destination for Zirkzee remains Juventus.
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The Reunion: Juventus manager Thiago Motta is the primary driver of the interest. He transformed Zirkzee into one of Europe’s most unique “9.5” strikers during their time together at Bologna.
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The Strategy: While Juve’s Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli publicly downplayed a January move, insiders suggest the club is preparing a permanent offer for June. They view Zirkzee as the perfect tactical partner—or alternative—to Dušan Vlahović.
Why the January Move to Roma Stalled
Zirkzee was heavily linked with a move to AS Roma during the winter window, but the landscape shifted rapidly:
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The Malen Factor: Roma ultimately pivoted, securing Donyell Malen permanently from Aston Villa for €35M. This move effectively closed the door on a winter arrival for Zirkzee.
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The Interim Period: Following the departure of Ruben Amorim, interim manager Michael Carrick requested that Zirkzee stay through the end of the season to provide depth during United’s push for a top-four finish.
Zirkzee’s Season by the Numbers
While his goal output hasn’t mirrored his Bologna days, Zirkzee has remained a reliable “connector” in United’s system when called upon.
| Category | Stats (2025/26 Season) |
| Appearances | 18 (All Competitions) |
| Starts | 4 (Premier League) |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Key Attribute | Link-up play (75.5% pass accuracy in final third) |
The Road to Summer 2026
Zirkzee has been praised for his “exemplary professionalism” despite limited starts. However, with the 2026 World Cup looming in June, the striker is reportedly desperate for a starting role to secure his place in the Netherlands squad.
Manchester United, now under the recruitment strategy of the INEOS Group, is expected to listen to offers in the region of €35M–€40M to recoup most of the fee paid to Bologna in 2024.