Manchester United have reportedly received a boost in their hopes of landing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with Bayern Munich shifting their focus away from the 22-year-old.
According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in the January transfer window, and the Red Devils’ are set to have a clear sight of the 22-year-old striker, with a Bayern Munich return “currently considered unlikely.”
The Dutchman rose through the Bayern Munich youth system before joining Parma on loan for six months in 2021. After failing to make a mark at the Allianz Arena, largely down to injuries, he was sold to Bologna in a reported €8.5 million deal in the summer of 2022.
Zirkzee struggled in his first season at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, stuck behind a fit and firing Marko Arnautovic. Since the Austrian goal machine moved to Inter in the summer of 2023, though, the Dutchman has taken his chance with both hands and has really exploded this season with eight goals and four assists in 22 games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
So much so that Bayern have started to take notice of their former wonderkid and are closely monitoring his progress. Apparently, the Bavarians have the right to 40 percent of the sell-on fee and also an option to buy him back for €40 million.
However, Plettenberg claims that Bayern are not intending to activate that, partly down to the fact that talisman Harry Kane has been firing on all cylinders since his move to Germany from Tottenham, and with Eric Maxim Choupo Moting and Mathys Tel able deputies, Bayern do not currently need any extra attacking reinforcements.
This development comes as music to the ears of Manchester United, who have put Zirkzee on their wish list and have already held preliminary talks with Bologna.
The Red Devils’ are expected to sign a new striker this year. Anthony Martial’s current contract expires at the end of the season, and they have decided against triggering his extension clause.
This summer will mark the end of the Frenchman’s nine-year relationship with the club. Zirkzee, who has a reported €40 million release clause at Bologna, has been identified as his successor and could provide competition to Rasmus Hojlund.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a towering striker who is adept at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. He is also very adept at protecting the ball with his back to goal, with quick feet and the ability to manoeuvre out of tight spaces.
