Man Utd give up on summer signing and target €50m replacement

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 30 Sept 2024 06:47 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham has prompted suggestions that manager Erik ten Hag might already be willing to give up on summer signing Joshua Zirkzee and seek to replace the striker during the January transfer window.

Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford from Bolonga in the summer in a deal worth €42.5 million, but though he scored the winner on his Man Utd debut against Fulham, that is the only occasion he has found the net so far for the Red Devils.

Instead, his performances have typically been disappointing, and he has not contributed another goal or assist in seven subsequent appearances. Zirkzee was even replaced at half-time against Spurs at the weekend, albeit this was in part caused by Bruno Fernandes’ dismissal.

Calciomercato now reports that United are considering trading the 23-year-old for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in January. FootballTransfers revealed Man Utd coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is eager to sign the Bianconeri star.

Current ETV

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

€35.3M

ETV Range

€26.5M - €44.2M

View full profile

This swap deal, though, is reportedly “difficult” because Vlahovic’s salary is “practically double that” of Zirkzee.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will have taken particular note of this development as they are also reportedly interested in signing the Serbia international from Juve.

Vlahovic has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €51.6m.

A victim of Man Utd’s struggles

Zirkzee has had a difficult time at Man Utd but has been played out of position for most of the early weeks of the season.

He was best used behind a centre forward for Bologna last season, but due to Rasmus Hojlund missing out with injury, he has typically been a No.9 for the Red Devils this season.

United should face the blame for this scenario, having left Ten Hag’s side undercooked in attacking numbers and, therefore, forcing Zirkzee into a position where he is not at his most comfortable.

The Netherlands international is also a victim of Ten Hag’s poor recruitment record, with the suspicion that he is simply the latest in a long line of transfer flops.

If Man Utd did decide to cut ties with the Netherlands international in January, they could hope to recoup around €35.3m, which is Zirkzee’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV).