After arriving in Manchester last summer, Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to make an impact at Manchester United and could be heading for the exit door in the upcoming transfer window.
Despite recent links to Serie A giants Roma, reports suggest the Dutch forward wants to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place, though the competition for the striker position is hardly fierce at the moment.
Transfer News Blitz writer Luke Maddison takes you through the latest developments surrounding the striker.
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STRIKER STRUGGLES
Zirkzee’s situation feels like a familiar story for Manchester United: another talented attacker unable to live up to expectations.
From Rasmus Højlund to Antony, United have seen multiple big-money forwards fail to settle before eventually finding form away from the North West.
Now, Zirkzee appears to be following that trend – and it raises the question: is the grass simply greener away from Old Trafford?
Since joining from Bologna for £36.5 million, the 24-year-old has looked a shadow of the player who impressed in Serie A. Across 40 Premier League appearances, he has managed just four goals and one assist – figures far below what United hoped for when they brought him in.
His underwhelming return adds to the growing list of players whose careers have seemingly stalled after signing for the Red Devils.
RETURN TO THE SERIE A?
With the January transfer window approaching, speculation surrounding Zirkzee’s future has intensified. Recent reports claim that Roma have opened talks with the forward’s camp, exploring a loan deal with an obligation to buy, believed to be around £30 million.
However, the Italian side may face a significant obstacle – the player himself, Zirkzee is reportedly determined to stay at Manchester United and prove his worth.
With Benjamin Šeško currently sidelined through injury, Zirkzee may not have much competition for the central striker role, meaning he might not have to fight too hard to reclaim a place in the starting XI.
Still, should he decide to move on, he would join the long list of players caught in the ever-turning Old Trafford revolving door.
MY PREDICTION
After showing glimmers of promise, most notably in the recent clash against Crystal Palace, this could yet become a defining season for Joshua Zirkzee.
Given United’s limited options up front, I believe he will remain at the club beyond January. But if his performances don’t improve by the end of the campaign, a return to Serie A could become the most likely outcome.
The next few months may decide whether Zirkzee revives his career in Manchester or boards a one-way flight back to Italy.
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