Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Italy as Juventus reportedly considers reuniting the Dutchman with his former boss, Thiago Motta.
The speculation follows Zirkzee’s inconsistent performances at Old Trafford, where the 23-year-old has struggled to replicate the form he displayed under Motta at Bologna.
Zirkzee arrived at Manchester United last summer for £36 million and made an immediate impact with a late winner against Fulham on his debut. However, the forward has since added just one more goal to his tally, contributing to United’s broader attacking struggles.
Hopes were high that Ruben Amorim’s arrival as head coach last month might rejuvenate Zirkzee’s form, but the Portuguese manager has not held back in his criticism. After United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich, Amorim openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the forward’s performance, fueling rumors of a potential departure.
Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Juventus sees an opportunity to bring Zirkzee back to Italy, where he excelled under Motta’s guidance at Bologna. The pair played pivotal roles in securing a historic Champions League qualification for the Serie A club last season.
Speaking after Juventus’ recent match against Lecce, Motta addressed the swirling rumors but downplayed the possibility of an imminent reunion.
“The market will open in January, and we are in total harmony with the club,” Motta said. “I am very happy with the players I have. I hope the injured players return soon to help the team.”
Speculation indicates Juventus may pursue an initial loan deal for Zirkzee, though it remains unclear if United would agree to such an arrangement. The forward is contracted at Old Trafford until 2029, and United might be reluctant to part ways with their significant summer investment so soon.
Despite his struggles, Zirkzee has shown glimpses of his potential. After scoring in United’s 4-0 victory over Everton, the Dutch international reflected on the squad’s resilience during a challenging period.
“Hard times and strong people bond,” Zirkzee remarked. “Sunday was a great day. A win is exactly what these fans deserved.”
Acknowledging his recent goal drought, Zirkzee credited his teammates for their unwavering support. “The longer it takes before you get back on the scoresheet, the more frustrating it gets, but I have great teammates who always kept my head up,” he said.
With January approaching, Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain. Juventus’ interest offers an intriguing escape route, but Manchester United’s decision will likely hinge on whether Amorim sees the Dutchman as part of his long-term plans.