Zirkzee’s Italian Pivot: A Juicy Winter Pivot for a Bench-Wetter to Starter Dream

Italian Interest Grows Amid Transfer Talks

Speculation about Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee's future at Manchester United is mounting day by day, with English and Italian reports indicating the player could depart during the upcoming January transfer window, seeking a fresh opportunity to regain the sparkle he lost since arriving at Old Trafford.

The British tabloid The Sun revealed in a report on Wednesday that renewed interest in Zirkzee is coming from several Serie A clubs, led by newly promoted Como and the giant Juventus.

Como and the Fabregas Project

Como, in its second season in the Italian top flight, is looking to strengthen with players who bring European experience to push its ambitious project forward under the guidance of Spanish coach Cesc Fabregas, who is trying to write a new chapter in the club's history.

Although press chatter suggested negotiations had progressed, Manchester United sources stressed that nothing has been decided yet. The English club remains open to selling or loaning the forward if a substantial offer arrives, especially given Zirkzee's limited playing time this season.

Modest Numbers, Major Potential

Zirkzee, 24, joined Manchester United in the summer of 2024 from Bologna for £36.5 million, after a standout spell where he netted 11 goals and laid on 5 assists in 34 league matches, helping Bologna reach the Champions League spotlight for the first time in club history.

Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has featured in 53 games across 14 months, mostly off the bench, scoring 7 goals and recording 3 assists. Those figures have fallen short of the expectations that accompanied his transfer, fueling questions about his long-term fit at the club.

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Journey Across Europe: From Germany to Italy

Before his Bologna stint, Zirkzee was one of Bayern Munich's most touted academy talents, joining the Bavarian club in 2017 and appearing for the first team between 2019 and 2021, contributing 4 goals in 17 appearances and earning a place in the squad that won the 2020 Champions League under Hansi Flick, albeit with a limited role.

He later spent loan spells at Parma in Italy and Anderlecht in Belgium, rediscovering form in Belgium where he scored 16 goals in the 2021/22 season, a performance that helped Bayern’s rival Bologna land him. In Bologna, he enjoyed his best career spell to date, which ultimately led to the Manchester United move.

Juventus Returns to the Picture

Alongside Como, Juventus have watched Zirkzee closely. The veteran club had shown interest as far back as 2023, and with Dusan Vlahovic potentially moving on, Zirkzee has resurfaced as a credible, cost-conscious option given his Serie A experience and comparatively modest price tag.

Even though his Manchester United contract runs until 2029, the limited minutes this season—just four appearances, all as a substitute—make a move more attractive to all parties involved.

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Italy: A Favored Ground for United’s Minds

Italy has become a favored destination for several Manchester United players who fail to secure regular starts. Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund has moved to Napoli with an optional purchase clause, after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. In another example, Scotland’s Scott McTominay moved to Serie A in 2023 and enjoyed a sensational season, winning Player of the Season in the league and earning a Ballon d’Or nomination, illustrating that Italy can be a platform for rediscovered form.

These examples reinforce the belief that Zirkzee could flourish in Italy, a league he already knows well and where he produced his strongest moments so far.

Amorim’s Stance and a Critical Fork in the Road

Manchester United’s current manager, the Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, has not hidden his admiration for Zirkzee despite his lack of minutes. In an interview with TalkSport, he said, “I want him to stay because he gives his all in training and keeps trying, but in the end we don’t know what the future holds.”

While those words of support are notable, the reality remains that the Dutch forward does not yet enjoy the kind of trust that guarantees regular starting opportunities. As the winter window approaches, all possibilities remain on the table—stay, loan, or move abroad for a fresh start.

Today, Zirkzee stands at a crossroads. Staying at Manchester United would likely mean more bench time, while moving to Como or Juventus could offer a new beginning in a league he knows well and where his best numbers were recorded. The final decision will hinge on how seriously Italian clubs table concrete offers and Manchester United’s readiness to part with him for a fair price. One thing is certain: the coming months will be decisive for the Dutchman’s career arc.

And if January finally brings a solution, you can bet the only thing quicker than a Zirkzee exit will be the calendar flipping to 2026—because in football, time really is money, and minutes are gold.

Punchline time: 1) If football seasons came with a snooze button, Zirkzee would still press it—January will finally wake him up. 2) And remember, football is a game of inches, but sometimes it’s about inches of grass between the bench and the pitch—hopefully Serie A has a longer ramp to glory for him.