Manchester United Poised for Striker Overhaul as Joshua Zirkzee Nears Exit
Manchester United’s attacking department stands on the brink of a significant shake-up this summer, with Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee reportedly set to depart Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old forward, who joined the Red Devils two years ago for a hefty £36.5 million, has struggled to find consistency, netting just nine goals during his tenure. Interest from Italian clubs Juventus, Roma, and Como has mounted, though all are currently pursuing loan deals with an option or obligation to buy-despite Manchester United’s preference for a permanent transfer.
Should Zirkzee’s exit materialize ahead of the transfer deadline, United are prepared to intensify their search for fresh firepower up front. Two names have emerged prominently on their radar: free agent Dusan Vlahovic and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Vlahovic, 26, left Juventus after his contract expired and was previously linked to Turkish giants Besiktas. However, Besiktas sporting director Onder Ozer acknowledged the player’s preference for a major European league and hinted that contract terms and Champions League ambitions are key factors for Vlahovic. “If he prefers one of the major five leagues, then Turkiye isn’t one of them,” Ozer said. “He had the best season of his career with Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina… There is surely a desire to work with him again, but the priority for players isn’t choosing a coach, it’s choosing a contract. I imagine Vlahovic is expecting a big contract and a team competing in the Champions League.”
Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins continues to attract speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford, though Aston Villa are expected to demand a significant transfer fee, especially after their recent sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. At present, neither Vlahovic nor Watkins are actively pursued by Manchester United as long as Zirkzee remains part of the squad. However, that situation could pivot dramatically if the Dutch striker moves closer to departure.
United’s recent investment in attacking talent has been considerable, with signings including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Zirkzee himself. Yet with Michael Carrick preparing to take the reins for his first full season in charge, a fresh revamp of the forward line seems imminent.
As the summer deadline approaches, the future of Joshua Zirkzee appears increasingly uncertain, while the potential arrivals of Vlahovic and Watkins promise to reshape Manchester United’s offensive ambitions.