It’s now ‘increasingly likely’ one struggling Utd star gets his ‘dream’ transfer in loan-to-buy January deal

After being jeered off by Manchester United supporters in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United this week, you couldn’t really blame Joshua Zirkzee for considering his future away from Old Trafford.

Being made something of a scapegoat at just 23 years old and only six months into your club tenure would have any player questioning whether it was the right place to spend such crucial years of their career.

Zirkzee has been linked with a move away for several weeks already, having struggled with his transition to Premier League life by scoring three goals in 27 appearances across all competitions. From Ruben Amorim’s point of view, he may be open to INEOS cashing in sooner rather than later if he does not consider the forward a suitable fit for his system.

 Zirkzee eyes winter reunion with former Bologna boss

United forked out £36.5 million to sign the Dutch international from Bologna in July, yet a return to Serie A has been mooted as the most plausible destination for Zirkzee to revive his stagnant form in familiar surroundings.

Doing so under a coach who knows how to get the best out of him would also undoubtedly aid his case, hence his frequent links to Juventus; managed by ex-Bologna boss Thiago Motta.

In line with that, Sport Witness has today shared reports coming out of Italy via the Corriere dello Sport newspaper, which claims a switch to Allianz Stadium is now considered a ‘dream’ transfer for Zirkzee – and it’s looking ‘increasingly likely’.

🇮🇹🚨 Joshua Zirkzee | January move to Juventus gets Corriere dello Sport's front page on January 2nd

➡️ Belief 'dream' transfer increasingly likely

➡️ Looking at loan from Manchester United with purchase option pic.twitter.com/5PZQICJ9ad

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) January 2, 2025

However, United may be reluctant to accept the Old Lady’s desired terms, as they are hoping to sanction his arrival on a loan-to-buy basis. This would leave Amorim no funds to pursue a direct replacement in January, while also leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the only recognised centre-forward in the squad.