Manchester United has decided to retain Joshua Zirkzee amidst interest from Napoli. The Red Devils signed Zirkzee from Bologna last summer, and despite a slow start, the club believes in his potential. While Zirkzee stays, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to leave before the transfer window closes. United will assess Zirkzee’s performances this season before making a final decision on his future.
Manchester United has officially made its final decision regarding the future of Joshua Zirkzee amid swirling transfer rumors linking him to Napoli. According to renowned football insider Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have no intention of letting go of the young Dutch forward, putting an end to speculations about a potential move away from Old Trafford.
Zirkzee, who arrived at Manchester United from Bologna last summer, endured a somewhat underwhelming debut season, managing to find the back of the net only three times in league matches. The 2024/25 campaign was marked by periods of inconsistency and challenges in adapting to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. Despite his undeniable potential, Zirkzee struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under manager Erik ten Hag, often finding himself on the fringes of the first team.
To further compound his difficulties, Zirkzee was sidelined for a significant portion of pre-season due to an unfortunate injury. This setback disrupted his preparations for the new season and hampered his chances of making a strong impression during the summer friendlies. However, in recent weeks, Zirkzee has made a welcome return to full team training, signaling his recovery and readiness to compete for a place in the squad. With the new season now underway, Zirkzee will be eager to seize any opportunities that come his way and prove his worth to the club.
Speculation surrounding Zirkzee's future intensified when reports emerged linking him with a possible transfer to Napoli. The Serie A giants were reportedly in the market for a new striker following a serious injury to their star forward, Romelu Lukaku. With Lukaku facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Napoli identified Zirkzee as a potential candidate to fill the void and bolster their attacking options. However, Manchester United swiftly dismissed these rumors, reiterating their commitment to Zirkzee and their belief in his long-term potential.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United has no plans to entertain any offers for Zirkzee during the current transfer window. The club views the Dutchman as an integral part of their squad and believes that he has the attributes to develop into a key player in the years to come. Ten Hag is understood to be a firm admirer of Zirkzee's talent and is keen to work with him to unlock his full potential. The manager believes that Zirkzee has the technical ability, work ethic, and determination to succeed at Old Trafford, and he is prepared to give him the time and support he needs to flourish.
While Zirkzee is set to remain at Manchester United for the foreseeable future, the club will continue to monitor his performances closely throughout the season. The coaching staff will assess his progress in training and matches, evaluating his contributions to the team and his overall development. Based on these assessments, a final decision will be made regarding Zirkzee's long-term future at the club. If he can consistently deliver impactful performances and demonstrate his value to the team, he will likely secure a prominent role in Ten Hag's plans. However, if he fails to make the desired impact, the club may consider other options in future transfer windows.
In contrast to Zirkzee's situation, fellow striker Rasmus Hojlund is widely expected to depart Manchester United before the transfer window slams shut. The young Danish forward has struggled to break into the first team since his arrival at Old Trafford, and he is reportedly seeking a move elsewhere to gain more regular playing time. Several clubs across Europe have expressed an interest in acquiring Hojlund's services, and it is anticipated that a deal will be finalized in the coming weeks. With Hojlund's departure seemingly imminent, Manchester United may look to bring in another forward to provide cover and competition for their existing attacking options.
As Manchester United navigates the complexities of the transfer market, the club remains focused on building a squad capable of challenging for major honors. Ten Hag is determined to strengthen his team in key areas and create a winning culture at Old Trafford. With the backing of the club's hierarchy, the manager is confident that he can assemble a squad that can compete with the best teams in England and Europe. The decisions surrounding the futures of players like Zirkzee and Hojlund will play a crucial role in shaping the club's ambitions for the seasons ahead.
With Zirkzee staying put, it presents him an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and stake his claim in the team. The 2025/26 season represents a fresh start for the young Dutchman.