End of the road: Man United prepare for the summer sale of attacker amid European interest | OneFootball

As Manchester United gear up for a pivotal summer transfer window, the future of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee hangs firmly in the balance. According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are officially prepared to sanction his departure at the end of the 2025/26 campaign but only on the strict condition that the club’s recruitment department successfully secures a high-caliber replacement first.

The Dutchman joined the Premier League giants with high expectations but managerial changes and his poor form has not helped his cause.

Earlier in his Man United career, he was used as a back-up option for Rasmus Hojlund and now Benjamin Sesko is the new leader of the United attack, keeping Zirkzee down the pecking order.

Joshua Zirkzee continues to struggle at Man United

When the United hierarchy sanctioned the £35 million acquisition of Zirkzee from Bologna in the summer of 2024, he was expected to be the ideal signing for the club.

They were looking for an attacker who could bridge the gap between the attackers and the midfield.

His link-up play along with his presence upfront was highly rated and it was believed he could be the answer to United’s problems.

However, the transition to the frantic pace of the Premier League has proven to be a steep learning curve.

Across his time in Manchester, the 24-year-old has managed just nine goals in 69 appearances in all competitions.

His situation has only grown more complicated this season under interim manager Michael Carrick.

Dutchman is attracting interest from European clubs

Despite his struggles in England, Zirkzee’s stock remains remarkably high on the continent. The news of his potential availability has immediately sparked a massive bidding war.

A return to Italy appears to be the most logical escape route, with heavyweights such as Juventus, Napoli, AC Milan, and Atalanta all registering serious interest.

Even ambitious Serie A side Como are reportedly eyeing him as a statement signing.

Furthermore, Bundesliga clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are closely monitoring his situation.

Zirkzee promised so much and delivered so little but it must be remembered that the environment at Old Trafford worked against him and failed to provide him the best platform to become successful.