Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee “would be better” at Liverpool or Barcelona, amid reports linking him with Arsenal and Tottenham.
That’s a suggestion made by Zirkzee’s former coach, Ferry Verbeek, who used to work with him at VV Hekelingen and is now interviewed by Sportitalia.
After an up-and-down start to his professional career, Joshua Zirkzee was already catching the eye when he joined Bayern Munich as a teenager back in 2017. Although he struggled for minutes with the German giants, the Dutchman still managed to grab headlines from the bench.
The former Bayern Munich academy product was sold to Bologna ahead of the 2022–23 campaign. He has since exploded into life in Italy, grabbing 11 goals and six assists in his 30 appearances across all competitions this term.
This goalscoring prowess has put Zirkzee on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs, with Arsenal and Tottenham said to be among the sides in the fray to sign one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Earlier this year, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed there is a €40 million release clause in Zirkzee’s contract, although Bayern Munich can buy him for €20 million because they have a 50 per cent sell-on clause.
His exploits in northern Italy have seen Zirkzee earn admirers from across the globe. Owing to Bolgona’s modest asking price, there is no wonder top clubs are circling for the youngster’s signature.
His former coach Verbeek has now put forward his opinion, stating that although the attacker would impress for AC Milan, he “would be better” for Liverpool or Barcelona stylistically.
Verbeek said to Sportitalia, “I think he would definitely have a bright future at AC Milan. At Liverpool or Barcelona, however, he would be better in his element, with a lot of forward pressure and a lot of ball possession.”
Does Joshua Zirkzee to Barcelona or Liverpool make sense?
Liverpool are already well-stocked in attacking areas, but they may be forced into the market if star winger Mohamed Salah leaves to join the Saudi Pro League, following Jurgen Klopp out of the door in the summer.
From Barcelona’s perspective, Raphinha continues to face an uncertain future at the club and could be offloaded to balance their books. Joao Felix is at the club only on loan, meaning the Catalan giants could be in the market for a versatile attacker heading into the summer transfer window.
While Zirkzee is primarily a striker, he can drop and operate in the playmaker role, linking up with the other forwards and carving out goalscoring opportunities.
In Zirkzee, Barcelona or Liverpool will be buying a high-ceiling striker who can make an instant impact. With elite strikers now costing almost double the Dutchman’s fee, both clubs would be foolish to snub the services of the 22-year-old at first glance.
