Joshua Zirkzee set for Manchester United exit as €25m transfer discussed

Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United is increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting the forward is now preparing to leave Old Trafford in the summer after a frustrating first season in England.

The Netherlands international arrived from Bologna in July 2024 for a fee of around €42.5m, but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. With limited minutes and inconsistent form, the situation has raised questions about both his role and long-term future at the club.

According to reports in Italy, Zirkzee is now expected to push for a move at the end of the campaign.

Zirkzee has found opportunities hard to come by this season, starting just four Premier League matches and often featuring from the bench.

His situation has not improved under interim manager Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim earlier this year. Since that change, the Dutch forward has played only 28 minutes across four appearances, further highlighting his reduced role.

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb claim the player is keen to “remedy” his January decision to stay by seeking a transfer this summer. At the time, he had reportedly agreed terms with AS Roma, but the move did not materialise.

The lack of progress since then appears to have reinforced his desire to move on.

Manchester United still have a portion of the original transfer fee to account for, with approximately €25m remaining to be amortised.

Reports suggest that figure is now being viewed as a potential asking price, with some in Italy describing it as a “great price” for a player of Zirkzee’s profile and age.

Interest from Serie A is expected to resurface, with clubs such as Juventus previously linked. A return to Italy could offer the forward a more familiar environment to rebuild form and confidence.

However, given his contract runs until 2029, Manchester United may seek a higher fee depending on market interest.

From the last few Manchester United matches we’ve covered, attacking consistency has remained an issue, with rotation and tactical adjustments limiting continuity in forward positions.

Zirkzee’s situation reflects that broader challenge. Despite arriving with strong expectations, he has yet to find a defined role within the system.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions on how the club will approach the striker position in the upcoming transfer window.

Zirkzee is likely to assess his options at the end of the season, with interest from Italy expected to develop as the summer window approaches.

Manchester United will need to decide whether to sanction a sale or retain the player as part of their squad rebuild. Negotiations could depend on the level of interest and the offers received.

Much will depend on whether clubs are willing to meet the expected valuation or push for a lower fee.