Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has agreed to move to Juventus this summer, according to reports in Italy. The Serie A giants are eager to reinforce their attack and want to sign Zirkzee alongside Randal Kolo Muani, who impressed on loan at the club during the 2024-25 season.
Juventus interest and Zirkzee's response
Juventus have approached Zirkzee's camp to gauge his interest in a return to Italy, and Gazzetta dello Sport report they have received an 'initial yes' from the Dutchman. He is excited about the prospect of returning to Serie A after two years with Bologna.
The interest is being driven by Juventus' new head of football Ricky Massara, who was determined to sign the 25-year-old for Roma during the January transfer window. Massara spent 'hours on the phone' with Zirkzee's representatives, and the player agreed to the move, but it fell through after Manchester United's decision to sack Ruben Amorim in January, which shelved any mid-season business.
Transfer fee and United's plans
Gazzetta dello Sport has previously claimed United would be prepared to let Zirkzee leave for a fee of around €35 million to €40 million, or on loan with an option or obligation to buy. United want to raise additional funds for incoming transfers, particularly a third central midfielder after already signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Zirkzee started just one match under Michael Carrick last season, with Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha preferred up top when Benjamin Sesko was not selected. He struggled for minutes despite the club's light schedule.
Zirkzee's struggles at United
Zirkzee joined United from Bologna for £36.5 million in the summer of 2024 but has scored only five Premier League goals and nine in total across 75 appearances. Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has long held reservations about Zirkzee's chances at United, telling Metro in January: 'For me, there was always a doubt that it was the right decision to go to Manchester United. I think he should have stayed in Serie A. He was doing well with Bologna and I think he should have gone to a better team in Italy.'
