Zirkzee for Douglas Luiz: Italian media reveal state of play on Man Utd swap deal

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 26 Nov 2024 09:09 GMT
• 3 min read

A January swap deal involving Man Utd’s Joshua Zirkzee and Juventus’ Douglas Luiz is currently unlikely, according to the Italian media.

There have been growing reports in recent days that the two clubs could swap their summer signings in the winter market after both players struggled to make an impact at their new clubs.

However, Calciomercato reports that there is nothing concrete regarding a possible swap deal and explains that Juventus are unlikely to sanction Douglas Luiz’s exit.

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Despite a dismal start to his Juventus career that has produced just 312 minutes of football and a string of poor performances, both coach Thiago Motta and transfer chief Cristiano Giuntoli still believe in the Brazilian. They feel that in time he will come good in Turin.

From a financial point of view, it makes no sense to offload Luiz so soon given he cost €50 million and most of that value is still on the books.

Additionally, if Juventus are to sell anyone in January it would be to finance the signings of two defenders and a backup to Dusan Vlahovic in attack. A straight swap bringing in very little money would not help Juve.

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Juventus remain interested in Zirkzee but any move for him would not come in the form of a swap deal with Luiz.

Zirkzee joined Man Utd this past summer in a €42.5 million move from Bologna.

The striker scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham but he has struggled badly since then and failed to score another goal.

Having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and with the club’s fans already seemingly giving up on him, Zirkzee could leave the club in January.

Zirkzee at Bologna

Zirkzee led Bologna to a shock qualification into this season’s Champions League under now Juventus manager Thiago Motta.

Zirkzee delivered 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions as Bologna finished fifth in Serie A.

He was the key man for a Bologna team who performed well above their weight under Motta to qualify for the Champions League.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who at Bologna was expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

Zirkzee went to Euro 2024 with Netherlands but barely featured under Ronald Koeman.