He is just like Romelu Lukaku. He can’t play our style but he will do very well there. So we havr to let him go for better players to come”-Man Utd ‘line up’ outrageous swap deal for world-class striker with Joshua Zirkzee set to leave
Manchester United are reportedly considering a swap deal involving Joshua Zirkzee, following his underwhelming start at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee joined United from Bologna in the summer for £34 million on a five-year contract, arriving as an attacking option to complement Rasmus Højlund. He made an instant impact, scoring a late winner on his debut against Fulham. However, the former Bayern Munich forward has struggled since, failing to score in his subsequent 15 appearances and sparking speculation about an early departure.
While the arrival of Ruben Amorim as manager could provide Zirkzee with a fresh opportunity, reports suggest United may use him as part of a deal to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. According to *Il Mattino* via *Get Football News Italy*, Serie A leaders Napoli have been offered Zirkzee in a potential swap for the Nigerian forward.
Osimhen’s situation at Napoli has been turbulent. Stripped of his No. 9 shirt and sidelined by Antonio Conte, he was loaned to Galatasaray, where he has been in red-hot form, scoring eight goals in nine games. The loan agreement reportedly includes a clause allowing Osimhen to leave in January if an elite club comes forward.
The proposed deal could benefit both clubs, with United looking to bolster their attack and Napoli potentially gaining a young forward in Zirkzee.
The situation around Joshua Zirkzee and Manchester United’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen reflects the challenges of integrating new signings into a squad and the high stakes of transfer dealings. Zirkzee’s move to Old Trafford initially seemed promising, especially with his debut heroics, but his struggles in subsequent matches have raised concerns. This has led to speculation about his future, despite Ruben Amorim’s arrival as manager potentially offering him a clean slate.
The idea of using Zirkzee in a swap deal for Osimhen is intriguing. Osimhen, despite his exile from Napoli under Antonio Conte, has thrived on loan at Galatasaray, demonstrating the qualities United crave in a consistent goal-scoring forward. His potential January availability due to the loan clause makes him an attainable target for elite clubs, and United’s willingness to leverage Zirkzee could appeal to Napoli as they rebuild their attack.
This potential swap hinges on several factors:
1. **Zirkzee’s Value to Napoli**: While he is a young and talented forward, Napoli may question whether he can replace the prolific Osimhen.
2. **Osimhen’s Intentions**: The Nigerian striker will likely prioritize Champions League football and a club where he can reestablish himself as a central figure.
3. **Ruben Amorim’s Stance**: Amorim’s view on Zirkzee’s role at United could influence whether the club decides to part ways with the forward so soon after signing him.
If this deal materializes, it could mark a significant shift in United’s attacking options, offering the dynamism and firepower they have been seeking. However, for Zirkzee, it would represent another restart in his career, highlighting the challenges of adapting to the pressures at a top club like Manchester United.