Manchester United star “more than just a target” for European giant, rumoured £33m price set

Manchester United must sell to buy players this summer, and according to a report from Italy, Joshua Zirkzee has become “more than just a target” for Juventus.

While Manchester United were primed to spend tons of cash under Erik ten Hag, the same cannot be said for new coach Rúben Amorim, who is said to be working under a much tighter budget.

The club splashed over £600 million in five windows under the Dutch manager, with many feeling that the players brought in have been somewhat underwhelming considering the money spent.

Under Amorim, it has already become clear that the club need a new striker, at least one centre-back, a new left-back, and possibly further midfield reinforcements in the coming months.

However, the club are looking to sell some of their high-value assets in order to fund moves for players in these positions.

Zirkzee more than a target for Juventus

One of the players who has been most routinely linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer is Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who was signed in 2024.

Despite joining the Reds earlier this year in a £36 million deal from Bologna, Zirkzee has failed to hit the ground running at the club, and reports from Italy have linked him with a return to the Serie A in 2025.

According to calciomercato, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is working on a move for the 23-year-old in the summer.

It’s claimed that Zirkzee has become “more than just a target” for the Turin-based outfit, with the player described as the “big move” that Giuntoli wants to secure in 2025.

Thiago Motta, current manager of Juventus, is a big fan of Zirkzee’s, with the pair having worked together at Bologna before going their separate ways in July 2024, and the Italian coach is said to be “key” to any move for the Dutch international.

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The report states that United are said to be looking for a fee of around £33 million plus bonuses this summer as they look to recoup the money they forked out for him.

Although Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, wants to “give priority” to Juventus, Napoli is known to have spoken internally about the striker and could jump ahead of their Serie A rivals in a potential transfer given that United are seriously interested in Napoli’s 25-year-old striker Victor Osimhen.

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