According to the Daily Star, Juventus have set their sights on Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia. The Italian giants have long been linked with a move for Joshua Zirkzee, who arrived at Old Trafford from Bologna last summer.
The Dutch striker had enjoyed great success under Thiago Motta at Bologna last season. With the Italian coach taking charge in Turin last summer and Zirkzee struggling with the Red Devils, a reunion has been on the cards for some time.
However, it now appears that Juventus are also eyeing Malacia. The Dutch left-back recently returned to action after 18 months out due to injury.
Malacia has recorded four competitive appearances for Manchester United this season, all of them starts. He has even earned the praise of new coach Rubén Amorim.
However, the Portuguese manager is attempting to implement his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford and the 25-year-old’s future remains uncertain. The Red Devils could invest in a specialist left-back this year, especially with Luke Shaw again sidelined by injury.
Juventus are aware of the situation as they look for a replacement for Danilo. The Brazilian is expected to leave Turin at the end of this season and the Italian giants want Malacia to take his place.
Juve plans to loan the Dutchman in January and make his stay permanent at the end of the season. The player has a contract with Manchester United until 2026.
Will Joshua Zirkzee leave Manchester United to join Juventus in 2025?
Manchester United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in a £36million deal last summer. However, the Dutchman has been a disappointment so far at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old has scored just four goals in 27 games for the Red Devils so far.
Meanwhile, Juventus have struggled to score goals under Thiago Motta this season. They sit fifth in the Serie A standings after 18 games, already 12 points behind leaders Napoli, and believe the Dutch striker could solve their scoring problems.
However, speaking recently as quoted by GOAL, Juventus CEO Giuntoli was coy about a possible move for Zirkzee.
“Zirkzee? It’s not appropriate to mention names, but we’re keeping an eye out for any interesting opportunities,” Giuntoli said.
The Dutchman has a contract with Manchester United until 2029, but the Red Devils could let him leave for a suitable fee.
Edited by Samya Majumdar.