Manchester United’s previous director of football, John Murtough, claims Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee as a transfer target for Italian side Atalanta
Manchester United striker Joshua Zikzee‘s future has been cast into doubt, as new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo shift the Dutchman down the pecking order.
Multiple reports suggest that United are pursuing a new centre-forward before the transfer window shuts in early September, which could signal a possible exit for the Dutchman either this summer or next.
United’s former football director John Murtough, who joined flourishing Italian side Atalanta in 2024, had the 24-year-old on his books before his departure ahead of the summer transfer window. Despite United making the signing after he left, the footballing director recognised his talent, according to Quotidiano Sportivo.
With highly-rated attacker Ademola Lookman looking increasingly likely to leave Atalanta, Murtough will be desperate to replace the 20 goals and assists he recorded last season. With Zirkzee’s previous experience in Italian football with Bologna, he could be the man for the job.
Has Zirkzee’s time in Manchester been a success?
With a goal on his debut against Fulham, Joshua announced himself to the English game in style, as United narrowly bested the London side 1-0.
However, the goal involvements became sporadic from then on, as United struggled in their worst Premier League season ever and Zirkzee became a victim of the inconsistency at the club. Plagued by injuries and struggling for contention in the starting eleven led to a below-average debut season in Manchester.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Dutchman; Zirkzee’s highlight of the year was in a convincing 4-0 victory at home to Everton, in which he netted twice. Things started to look slightly better for the attacker before a devastating thigh injury left him on the sidelines for the final six games of the league season.
The Reds’ transfer activity began with Cunha joining the club from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million. With Mbeumo joining the Brazilian earlier this week, and more players expected to arrive before the transfer window closes, Zirkzee’s camp could explore a possible move.
However, Zirkzee has also been touted as a player who could become “amazing” next season, with Amorim keen to “relaunch” the 23-year-old’s career at Old Trafford this summer.
United-Atalanta relationship could simplify Zirkzee deal
United have favoured signing players from Italy in recent years, with André Onana, Zirkzee, and Patrick Chinazaekepere Dorgu, to name a few. Serie A has become a fantastic league for developing players in modern times, generating substantial profits.
United’s signing of two former Atalanta players follows suit. Rasmus Højlund and Amad both swapped Northern Italy for Manchester this decade, with Atalanta pocketing a combined total of around €100 million.
The players have had polarising careers so far, but the commercial relationship between the clubs remains. Atalanta’s addition of John Murtough to their board will only strengthen this relationship.
Atalanta secured Champions League football again last year, surpassing many of Italy’s historically great teams. If Zirkzee and his camp decide Bergamo is the right destination for the player, a bid could be imminent.
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