Joshua Zirkzee on Transfer Radar of Champions League Finalists

Zirkzee Linked with Summer Move Back to Serie A

As summer transfer speculation ramps up, one name starting to echo through the marble halls of Serie A is none other than Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward, who joined Manchester United from Bologna last summer for around £36.5 million, may soon find himself heading back to familiar territory, with Champions League finalists Inter eyeing him as a potential reinforcement.

From Bologna to Old Trafford

Zirkzee made the switch to Old Trafford on the back of a stellar season with Bologna, a campaign that shocked many by delivering the club into the Champions League for the first time in decades. His intelligent movement, deft first touch, and playmaking ability from deeper attacking positions caught the eyes of scouts across Europe.

But since arriving in England, Joshua Zirkzee has experienced a mixed debut season. He marked his Premier League debut with a goal against Fulham off the bench—a bright start that promised more to come. However, consistency has proven elusive, partly due to Manchester United’s ongoing struggles on and off the pitch.

Challenges Under New Management

Originally brought in under Erik ten Hag, Joshua Zirkzee has had to adjust to a shift in tactical philosophy under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Amorim’s preference for a split No.10 system has given Joshua Zirkzee a new role—one that is more withdrawn and creative rather than that of a traditional striker.

While flashes of promise have been evident, United’s collective form has hampered his development, and injury setbacks have further limited his game time. The Dutchman, who is about to turn 24, finds himself at a critical junction in his career.

Inter’s Interest and the Serie A Pull

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Inter are among several Italian clubs circling the forward. Given Inter’s deep run in the Champions League and domestic dominance this season, they are keen to bolster their attacking depth. Joshua Zirkzee’s familiarity with the Italian game, coupled with his technical profile, makes him a suitable candidate for Simone Inzaghi’s fluid attacking system.

The Italian giants reportedly view him as a long-term project—someone young enough to evolve within their squad but experienced enough to deliver in the short term. With financial flexibility on their side, Inter are said to be confident about matching Joshua Zirkzee’s current salary and making a persuasive offer to United.

Manchester United’s Dilemma

Zirkzee hasn’t nailed down a regular place / Visionhaus/GettyImages

United’s decision on Joshua Zirkzee could hinge on the outcome of the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. A loss would mean no European football next season, drastically affecting the club’s revenue streams and summer transfer budget.

It’s a reality that might force United to listen to offers for players who aren’t deemed indispensable. With reports claiming Joshua  Zirkzee’s market value has dipped since last summer, an Italian return could be both financially practical and mutually beneficial.

The situation becomes even more complicated when considering United’s broader attacking setup. Rasmus Højlund, another young striker with high expectations, is also navigating an uncertain future as the club reportedly seeks an established, prolific goalscorer.

Inter’s Other Options

Zirkzee is not the only name on Inter’s radar. Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori and Parma’s Ange-Yoan Bonny are also reportedly under consideration, alongside Como’s Nico Paz, who has impressed this season. However, a buy-back clause could see Paz return to Real Madrid, potentially pushing Inter to prioritize Joshua Zirkzee.

Injury Setbacks and Future Outlook

Injuries have limited Joshua Zirkzee’s ability to make a sustained impact during his first year in England. But clubs like Inter are clearly banking on his potential, seeing past a difficult season to a forward who, in the right system, could thrive.

A summer return to Serie A, especially under the spotlight of a Champions League-chasing squad, could reignite the form that made Joshua Zirkzee such a compelling prospect in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Joshua Zirkzee’s journey has been anything but linear. From Bayern Munich’s youth setup to Bologna, and now Manchester United, the Dutch forward has always seemed to play just outside of convention. His creativity and positional flexibility make him an asset in modern football, but also a challenge for clubs unsure how to best use him.

As Inter consider their next moves for the upcoming campaign, Joshua Zirkzee’s blend of flair and familiarity with Serie A might just be the missing piece in their forward puzzle. For United, the decision to sell may depend on bigger factors—European qualification, financial constraints, and how Amorim envisions his attack moving forward.

One thing is clear: Joshua Zirkzee’s name will be one to watch as the summer transfer window unfolds.