According to Italian media reports, Manchester United's new summer signing Joshua · Zirkze have verbally agreed to return to Serie A and join Juventus on loan when the transfer window opens in January, reuniting with mentor Thiago · Motta. But the deal still needs to be approved by the Red Devils, otherwise the verbal promise will be nothing more than talk.
According to Juve-Live, Zirkze agreed to Juventus' offer, but the rest of the work will be up to the Bianconeri themselves, including convincing Manchester United to agree to release him. If he joins Juventus, Zirkze will be able to play under former Bologna manager Motta in his quest to regain his confidence.
Manchester United are undoubtedly the new black hole of stars, with Zirkze, who joined for €42.5 million in the summer, and his performances were questioned after scoring the winner in the Premier League opener against Fulham. Although he had a good level of reecussions, his lack of aggressive movement and unreliable shooting made fans doubt the decision to bring him in.
Since Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has drastically reduced Zirkze's playing time. Zirkze went from being a starter to being the substitute with the least playing minutes, especially after Denmark centre-forward Hojlund returned from injury.
The stats show that after half-time against Tottenham, Zirkze has played just 26 minutes at most in his last three games. Off the pitch, both British and Italian media have begun to report rumours of the Netherlands striker leaving the club.
Zirkze could be interested in returning to Serie A, where there are still enough teams interested in him. AC Milan were eager to sign him in the summer window, only to give up because of his agent's commission. Juventus, on the other hand, have Motta, a manager who is good at using Zirkze, and rumours are rumoured enough to convince Zirkze to agree to join.
Italy reports also suggest that Juventus will consider bringing in Zirkze on loan, and the Reds may agree, especially if a new centre-forward is brought in next year. However, the chances of Zirkze's transfer in January are certainly low, and he should work hard to prove his worth.
On social media this week, Zirkze's move sparked heated discussions. A video was posted mocking Zirkze's running on the pitch, with one of the actors imitating the Netherlands striker, mocking him for not always showing up as the number nine player should be. In this regard, Zirkze did not scold angrily, but liked the video.
As for his position, Zirkze insisted that he was not a number nine, but a "number nine and a half" as Serie A likes to say. 'I would drop out in midfield once in a while, not for myself, but to help the team. I'm the so-called pseudo-center, not No. 9, not No. 10, I'm No. 9 and a half! That's my style of play. Maybe I'm a little different from everyone else. But it's good to be different, right?"
But no matter what position it is, only if you make a substantial contribution to the team in the game, or score, or assist, or organize a tandem, if the effect is obvious, you can dispel suspicion, otherwise it is a natural result to be criticized by fans and experts.
Another Manchester United player who is more likely to go out on loan in January is Antony, a €100 million man. According to the Brazilian media, Manchester United have received enquiries from a number of Premier League clubs about the possibility of signing Antony on loan in the winter window. According to the British media, Manchester United are willing to loan the 24-year-old Brazil right winger in the hope that he will increase his transfer valuation ahead of a potential permanent sale next summer, just like Sancho did last season.
Brazil's "Goal Network" said that Antony is eager to get more playing time, but wants to stay in Europe, in addition to the rumoured Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and other Premier League teams, his old club Ajax is also interested in him, but is very worried that his mentality has collapsed. The biggest obstacle to any loan deal for Antony is his share of £200,000 a week.