Manchester United have started to engage in their summer transfer plans revolving around Joshua Zirkzee after his possible move back to Italy collapsed in January.
Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in July 2024 for £36.5 million. The Dutchman has failed to consistently make his way into the lineup and hasn’t seemed to firmly find his feet in a United shirt.
After signing Benjamin Sesko in the summer, Zirkzee has fallen to the bench, making just 16 Premier League appearances this season, often coming on for the last ten minutes of games. Under Michael Carrick, the forward has played just 11 minutes.
Sesko has proved to be far more prolific than Zirkzee, providing six Premier League goals in 21 appearances, often featuring off the bench, compared to Zirkzee’s five across 48 in the Premier League.
Rumours surrounded the striker in January with a possible move back to Italy, with Roma interested in a loan and the 24-year-old open to a Serie A return, but the deal collapsed amid worries over rotation and Carrick’s appointment.
United open to replacing Zirkzee with experience
As the end of the season draws closer, United look towards a possible move for Zirkzee, who likely wishes to play more football. A return to Italy could be beneficial for the Dutchman, who scored 12 goals for Bologna in the 2023/24 season.
According to TEAMtalk, United will reassess Zirkzee’s future at the end of the season, with the club open to the possibility of signing a more experienced forward as a replacement.
United have targeted proven players during INEOS ownership, leading to the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Sesko. This creates a far lower-risk situation for both the club and the players.
Signing for United at a young age and being expected to be a star have negatively affected players before, so experience is vital to keep them focused on improving the United squad. United’s squad is relatively young, with the oldest player, 33-year-old Casemiro, leaving at the end of the season.
Who are United’s options for experienced forwards?
With a focus on a replacement midfielder for Casemiro, it is likely that United will look towards cheaper options for forwards in the summer and will target players who can bring Casemiro-esque experience to the side.
Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann has years of experience performing on the world’s biggest stage. The 34-year-old Frenchman would be a cheap option with a market value below £10 million, according to Transfermarkt.
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Other options include Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowksi who has been linked to a move to the Premier League throughout his career. Aged 37, he is still scoring for Barcelona, who are facing huge financial troubles.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Lewandowski could look towards a Premier League club. The striker would likely be open to sharing his forward position with Šeško, with Barcelona offering him limited game time.
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