Former Manchester United director wants to sign Joshua Zirkzee for new club

Joshua Zirkzee is a summer target for Atalanta and a former senior figure at Old Trafford is hoping to help secure the move.

Zirkzee only joined the Red Devils last year in a £36.5m deal, signing a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

He made a bright start, scoring on his debut for the club, but that winner against Fulham was one of only three Premier League goals all season.

In total the Netherlands international scored seven times in 49 appearances in all competitions in what turned out to be a disastrous campaign for the club.

The 24-year-old was mainly used behind the centre-forward by Ruben Amorim but it is not entirely clear what is his best position and if he can fit into the manager’s 3-4-3 system at all.

Despite his underwhelming first season in England, there is interest in taking him back to Italy, where he had enjoyed a decent season with Bologna before the switch to Manchester.

Zirkzee’s last campaign in Serie A saw him score 11 top flight goals, which was enough for United to splash the cash on him.

Italian publication Quotidiano report that Atalanta have made Zirkzee one of their primary targets this summer as they look to replace departing star players.

Mateo Retegui was not only Atalanta’s star performer but finished the season as Serie A top scorer having netted 25 times in the Italian top flight, but he is leaving to join Saudi side Al-Qadsiah.

Ademola Lookman is also expected to depart this summer, with Inter Milan his most likely destination.

Despite the significant outgoings, Atalanta will reportedly struggle to match Zirkzee’s wages at Manchester United and even a relatively low asking price of around £30m will not be easy.

However, they have a man who they hope will help in the negotiations, former Manchester United football director John Murtough.

After over a decade at Old Trafford, Murtough left in April 2024 and in April this year he took up the role of director of global development at Atalanta.

The Serie A side hope Murtough will be a positive influence on talks, with the possibility of a loan deal with an option to buy next summer.

Manchester United are revamping their forward line this summer with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo likely to follow him from Brentford.

The Red Devils have made a third bid for the Cameroon international worth an initial £65m and a further £5m in add-ons.

Zirkzee could be one of a string of forwards to leave Old Trafford this summer, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all on the transfer list.

Juventus are reportedly keen on both Rashford and Sancho, while Garnacho has been linked with Chelsea and Real Betis want to bring Antony back after his successful loan spell last season.