‘Talks ongoing’ for wantaway Man Utd star who gave the green light for UCL giants | OneFootball

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee continues to push towards the exit door, with Juventus emerging as a serious destination.

After making the move from Bologna in the summer of 2024, the Dutchman endured a rollercoaster first campaign at Old Trafford, but at least he was a regular feature in the lineup.

On the contrary, the 24-year-old has been relegated to the bench this summer following the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Zirkzee has yet to place himself at Michael Carrick’s disposal due to an injury, but based on the new head coach’s initial selections, one would imagine that the striker’s playing time is unlikely to improve, especially with Cunha and Sesko starting on the bench in the wins over Man City and Arsenal.

Therefore, the future of the Netherlands international remains uncertain, and a move in the final days of January is on the cards.

Juventus working on signing Joshua Zirkzee from Man United

Zirkzee was initially considered a primary target for AS Roma, but the Italian capital side has already snapped up Donyell Malen from Aston Villa.

But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee remains keen on a return to Italy, and has already given the green light for a transfer to Juventus.

Zirkzee (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

As the Milan-based newspaper explains, the Bianconeri are currently working on bringing back Randal Kolo Muani. However, they realise that the operation remains complicated, as they must strike agreements with his current employers, Spurs, and his parent club, Paris-Saint-Germain.

Therefore, the Serie A giants are keeping the track that leads to Zirkzee alive, and the report insists that ‘talks are ongoing’ between the parties.

Man Utd willing to waive Zirkzee’s obligation to buy

As the source explains, Man Utd have softened their stance on the wantaway striker, so they might be willing to let him leave on loan with an option to buy, without including an obligation to buy.

This formula would certainly appease Juventus, as it would allow them to decide the player’s fate at the end of the season.

It remains to be seen if there will be concrete developments in the saga between now and Monday’s deadline.