Joshua Zirkzee tipped to make shock January transfer away from Man Utd just months after joining club
A Premier League legend has suggested that Joshua Zirkzee consider an unexpected loan move after a tough start at Manchester United.
Zirkzee made the switch to United from Bologna in July, in a deal valued at around £36.5 million, following a strong season where he netted 11 goals in 34 league appearances, helping Bologna secure a fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification.
However, his time at United has not gone as planned. While he made a positive first impression by scoring in a 1-0 win over Fulham on August 16, he has since struggled, going six consecutive Premier League matches without a goal. Despite showing glimpses of quality in his overall play, Zirkzee has yet to prove himself as the reliable finisher the team needs.
As a result, Paolo Di Canio, a former West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday player, has encouraged Juventus, one of his previous clubs, to explore the possibility of securing a loan deal for Zirkzee in January.
“With all the uncertainty at Manchester United, they could consider sending him out on loan,” Di Canio mentioned in an interview with TuttoSport.
“With [Rasmus] Hojlund and [Marcus] Rashford already holding key roles, Zirkzee could bring something different to Juventus and give coach Motta an alternative option to Vlahovic.
“I would suggest starting negotiations now for a loan deal with an option to buy. Zirkzee may not be the type to score 25 goals, but he adds value to the team by improving those around him.”
Di Canio also pointed out that Zirkzee’s struggles may stem from his lack of pace, making it harder for him to adapt to the fast-paced and physical nature of English football.
“In the Premier League, he’s a bit slow. He might prove me wrong with goals and strong performances, but the game here is more physical, and referees don’t call as many fouls,” Di Canio remarked.
“We’ve already seen the kind of impact he had at Bologna.”
As of now, there has been no official indication that any formal approach has been made for Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer window.
