"Sometimes they come back…" – Serie A set to welcome stars like Zirkzee | OneFootball

“He who leaves the old path for the new knows what he leaves behind but not what he will find.” No proverb could be more fitting to describe the moment for several former Serie A stars, now struggling abroad and perhaps ready for a sensational return to the Italian league.

“Sometimes they come back…” – from Milinkovic-Savic to Zirkzee: Serie A ready to welcome them back

Among them are illustrious names like Milinkovic-Savic, Kessie, Zirkzee, Skriniar, Molina, and Kim Min-jae, all united by the desire—or the need—to revive their careers in a context that once celebrated them.

Juventus, the dream of Milinkovic-Savic and the Kessie track

Juventus has never stopped thinking about Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, former Lazio star now at Al Hilal. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Bianconeri are evaluating the economic feasibility of the Serbian midfielder's return to Serie A, driven by his desire to re-embrace European football.

The main issue remains the monstrous salary of 20 million net per year he earns in Saudi Arabia. Juventus could offer 4-5 million plus bonuses, but the operation remains complicated unless there is a strong push from the player, whose contract expires in 2026.

More feasible, at least economically, is the path leading to Franck Kessie. The Ivorian midfielder, formerly of Milan and now at Al Ahli, also has a contract expiring in 2026. The Saudi club would be willing to let him go as early as January to avoid losing him on a free transfer. At 28, Kessie wants to be a protagonist in Europe again, and Juve remains vigilant, although the 10 million net salary is another significant obstacle.

Zirkzee, Italian nostalgia: Roma and Como pressing

After transferring to Manchester United in the summer of 2024, Joshua Zirkzee expected a starring role. Instead, the Dutch forward has made just four appearances and accumulated 82 minutes in total between the Premier League and cups, falling down Ten Hag's pecking order.

Disappointed and eager for a comeback, Zirkzee is considering a return to Serie A, where he had his best season with Bologna. Roma and Como are moving for him, ready to make a move in the January market. A potential transfer could also be decisive for the 2026 World Cup, with the Netherlands demanding consistency from its forwards.

Skriniar and Molina in Juventus's sights

Not just the midfield: Juventus is also looking at the defense. The Bianconeri have set their sights on two former Serie A acquaintances: Milan Skriniar and Nahuel Molina.

The former, ex-Inter and now at Fenerbahce, is considered the ideal profile to strengthen the backline after Bremer's injury. The departure of José Mourinho from the Turkish club's bench could facilitate the negotiation.

For the right flank, Molina's name, former Udinese now at Atletico Madrid, is back in the spotlight. The Argentine full-back, rarely used by Simeone, might accept a loan to secure playing time ahead of the World Cup.

Kim, the former Napoli player unhappy at Bayern: Milan is watching

After contributing to Napoli's historic championship in 2023, Kim Min-jae has not found success at Bayern Munich. The South Korean defender has been sidelined, surpassed in the hierarchy by Tah and Upamecano. Already in the summer, Bayern tried to place him in Arabia, but Kim said no.

Now Milan is interested in the player, seeking an experienced center-back to complete the squad. Juventus remains interested as well, but the 9 million euro net salary is a problem for both Italian clubs.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.