Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli has addressed the growing transfer speculation surrounding Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has been linked with a potential January move to the Italian giants. While recent reports have suggested that the Dutch forward could be on the move, Giuntoli has played down these rumors, insisting that Juventus are focused on other matters and not actively pursuing Zirkzee at this stage.
Zirkzee’s Struggles at Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee’s move to Manchester United in the summer of 2024 had been one of the most anticipated transfers of the window. The 23-year-old striker, who previously enjoyed a productive spell with Bayern Munich before spending last season on loan at Bologna, was seen as a promising addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad. Zirkzee had a standout season in Serie A, scoring 11 goals for Bologna, which earned him a move to Old Trafford.
However, his time at Manchester United has been far from ideal. Despite his £36.5 million price tag, Zirkzee has struggled to make a significant impact at the club. The Dutch forward has only managed to score three goals for United, one of which came on his debut against Fulham, and the others during the 4-0 win over Everton. This underwhelming return has led to speculation that Zirkzee could be looking for a move away from Old Trafford in search of more regular playing time and a fresh challenge.
Juventus and Zirkzee: Transfer Speculation Grows
In the wake of Zirkzee’s struggles at Manchester United, reports have emerged linking him with a move to Juventus, with the Serie A giants reportedly keen on bolstering their attacking options. These rumors were further fueled by the fact that Zirkzee previously enjoyed a successful working relationship with current Juventus manager Thiago Motta during their time together at Bologna. Under Motta’s guidance, Zirkzee flourished, earning praise for his performances and helping the club qualify for the Champions League.
The prospect of Zirkzee reuniting with Motta at Juventus seemed like a logical next step, and many speculated that the player might be eager to return to Italy, where he enjoyed a successful period. Juventus, meanwhile, have been searching for ways to strengthen their attack, and Zirkzee was seen as a potential solution to their goalscoring woes.
However, despite the speculation, Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus’ technical director, has been quick to downplay these reports. In a recent interview, Giuntoli acknowledged Zirkzee’s abilities but made it clear that Juventus are not actively pursuing him at the moment.
Giuntoli Addresses Transfer Rumors
Responding to the transfer speculation, Giuntoli told reporters, “We are waiting for Milik,” referring to Juventus’ injured striker Arkadiusz Milik, who is recovering from an injury. “I can just say that Zirkzee is a very good player but he’s under contract at Man Utd. I can’t add more now, we’re focusing on completely different things now.”
Giuntoli’s comments suggest that Juventus’ priorities are currently elsewhere, with the club likely focused on other areas of the squad and their ongoing plans for the upcoming January transfer window. While Zirkzee has been praised as a talented player, Juventus appear to be concentrating their efforts on resolving their current squad issues and supporting their injured players rather than pursuing a deal for the Man Utd forward.
In a similar vein, Juventus manager Thiago Motta had also been tight-lipped about potential transfers in a press conference earlier this season. When asked about Juventus’ plans for the January market, Motta responded, “There’s great harmony with the club on the transfer market, but I don’t want to talk about it now.” His reluctance to discuss transfer business at length further suggests that any moves for new players, including Zirkzee, are not a priority at this moment.
Zirkzee’s Future at Manchester United
While Juventus may not be actively pursuing Zirkzee at the moment, the player’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain. Given his lack of significant contributions so far, Zirkzee may be open to a move away from Old Trafford in search of more regular first-team opportunities. His situation is further complicated by the fact that he has not yet established himself as a key player under manager Erik ten Hag.
It remains to be seen whether Zirkzee will remain at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window. The player will likely be keen to play more regularly to secure his place in the Dutch national team ahead of international competitions. A potential move to a club like Juventus could offer Zirkzee the opportunity to reignite his career and once again play under the guidance of a manager who knows how to get the best out of him.
Conclusion
Cristiano Giuntoli’s comments suggest that Juventus are not currently pursuing Joshua Zirkzee, despite the speculation linking the Manchester United striker with a move to Italy. While Zirkzee’s struggles at Old Trafford may lead to further rumors in the coming months, Juventus appear to have other priorities as they focus on their injured players and squad needs.
For Zirkzee, the coming weeks and months will likely be pivotal in determining his future. Whether he remains at Manchester United or moves on to a new club remains to be seen, but with the January transfer window approaching, his situation will be one to watch closely.
