Manchester United will reluctantly look to offload Joshua Zirkzee in the event Rasmus Hojlund stays at the club this summer.
INEOS chiefs have been seeking a suitor for the Dane in recent weeks in hopes of recuperating a fee from his departure that can subsequently be spent on a replacement.
Fabrizio Romano revealed that talks had been going on between United and Inter Milan over Hojlund since May. However, the Champions League finalists, who are floundering to reinforce their attack following their calamitous defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, are currently only willing to take the player on loan with an option/obligation to buy included in the terms.
United supporters are at a loss with their frontman. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
This, of course, doesn’t pose as a particularly lucrative deal for United, as replenishing the transfer kitty after Matheus Cunha’s arrival is essential if they want to welcome more signings between now and the end of summer.
Alas, if a deal cannot be agreed between Hojlund and any interested side, Zirkzee will reportedly be ‘sacrificed’ (GiveMeSport) amid recognition from the key decision-makers that a substantial reshuffle is needed in the attacking contingent – especially with Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho all poised to depart.
The Netherlands star made 14 Premier League starts in 24/25. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Zirkzee, 24, oversaw a mixed maiden campaign in M16.
He got off to a dream start when notching his first goal on his debut on the opening day against Fulham, coming off the bench in the closing stages to seal a crucial win and reeling off to celebrate in front of the Stretford End. Then, when he failed to add to his account for another four months, fans began questioning whether he was the right fit for the team.
This led to the Dutch international being unfairly jeered off the pitch when he was hooked before the interval in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the end of December. Credit where it’s due, though, he didn’t let it get to him, and instead worked on his game by displaying some high-quality performances with his easy-on-the-eye dribbling and link-up play.
As such, it’s safe to say fans would feel aggrieved to see Zirkzee leave so prematurely, given he joined only a year ago from Bologna and was utilised as more of a rotational option throughout the term.
Robert Lewandowski, who played alongside United’s No.11 at Bayern Munich, previously said of the striker: “He (Zirkzee) plays amazing with his back to the goal,” the world-class frontman began. “He can hold the ball. He can play with one or two touches or bring wingers [into the game].
“He is also a good finisher in the box. He’s big, you know, he’s young, but he’s big. And I think he can keep the ball very [well].”
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