RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesJuventus Want Zirkzee but United’s €35m Demand Creates Deadlock
Juventus have made contact with Joshua Zirkzee’s representatives over a summer transfer, but the deal remains blocked by a fundamental disagreement over structure – with Manchester United holding firm on their €35–40 million valuation and insisting any arrangement must guarantee a permanent exit.
According to Football Place, citing Gazzetta dello Sport , Juventus have opened talks with the 25-year-old’s camp as they search for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new Serie A season. The Turin club’s renewed interest comes as their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani continues to stall, forcing them to widen the search.
Joshua Zirkzee in action for Manchester United.
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The Obstacle
United rejected loan proposals for Zirkzee during the January window, demanding either a clean sale or a loan with a mandatory purchase clause attached. Reports now suggest the club may be open to more creative structures than before – but only if the end result guarantees a permanent transfer close to their asking price. A dry loan is of little use to a club already reshaping its squad on a tight schedule.
Juventus, by contrast, are working within tighter financial constraints. Their budget has been heavily directed toward defensive recruitment, limiting their room to commit to a major outright purchase. That gap – between United wanting certainty and Juventus wanting flexibility – is the one obstacle separating the two clubs.
Massara Factor
New Juventus sporting director Ricky Massara is a key driver of the interest. He attempted to bring Zirkzee to Roma during his time in the Italian capital and has remained an admirer of the former Bologna forward. Former Juve executive Cristiano Giuntoli had also tracked the Dutchman before his departure from the club.
Ricky Massara serving as sporting director.
Zirkzee’s €4 million annual salary is not expected to be a sticking point. The player himself is understood to want regular football after managing only 609 Premier League minutes across 24 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign – a season in which the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko pushed him to the margins. United are already exploring striker options should his departure be confirmed.
Alas, until Juventus can bridge the structural gap that has defined this saga since January, the move will continue to spin its wheels. United’s contingency planning suggests they are prepared to move on regardless – but only on terms that suit them, not Turin.
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