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EPL Index

·29 July 2026

EPL Index

·29 July 2026

Juventus are looking at a move for Joshua Zirkzee, with early indications pointing to the Manchester United forward being open to a return to Serie A. As per Gazzetta dello Sport, contact has been ongoing while the Turin club assess several attacking options, and Zirkzee is very much part of that discussion.

The matter seems to have progressed on the player side first. Juventus officials have spoken with Kia Joorabchian and have been encouraged by the belief that the Dutchman would be willing to make the switch. That is significant, because once a player’s personal approval is in place, the focus naturally shifts to whether Manchester United can be convinced on the structure and the fee.

Zirkzee, who is now 26, has found it difficult to deliver the impact expected of him at Old Trafford. His record of 9 goals and 4 assists in 75 appearances over two seasons suggests a player who has never fully settled, either with the tactical demands placed on him or with the broader pace and rhythm of the Premier League. There has long been a feeling that his qualities may be better suited to Italian football, where his technical ability and link-up play are more naturally appreciated.

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Juventus recruitment officials are understood to be examining the exact shape of any offer very carefully. Manchester United are said to value Zirkzee at between €35 million and €40 million, and there is openness to a temporary exit. The main point is that United would want any loan arrangement to include an obligation to buy in the summer of 2027.

That is where the talks could become more detailed. Juventus would prefer a loan with an option to buy, or an obligation that is triggered only if certain conditions are met. It is an important difference, especially in the Italian market, where flexibility often decides whether negotiations move ahead quickly or lose momentum.

Zirkzee’s wages, reported at €3.6 million per year plus bonuses, are seen as manageable for Juventus. That gives the Serie A club a realistic base from which to negotiate, even if no deal is close at this point. For Manchester United, the decision may ultimately come down to balancing financial recovery with squad planning.

From Manchester United’s point of view, this feels like one of those moves that could suit everyone if the terms are right. Zirkzee clearly has ability, and there was real excitement when he arrived, but it has never properly clicked. Sometimes that is just how it goes. Some players suit the league, some do not, and some simply need a different setting to show their best level.

The concern for supporters would be that United could end up accepting a more complicated deal rather than a straightforward sale. If Juventus are only prepared to push for a loan with conditions or an option, fans may ask why United should carry so much of the risk. If the club truly value him at €35 million to €40 million, then there has to be discipline in the talks.

At the same time, keeping a player who is unhappy or not a good fit rarely helps anyone. If Zirkzee wants Serie A and Juventus can provide him with a platform that suits his game, there is logic in finding a solution. The big question for United fans is straightforward: can the club turn this into a smart departure rather than another compromise? That is what supporters will be watching closely.