Manchester United Eye Dusan Vlahovic Amid Zirkzee’s January Exit
Manchester United is considering strengthening their attacking options in January, with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic reportedly on their radar. The Red Devils are looking for a new goal-scorer, and Zirkzee’s possible departure could pave the way for the Serbian international.
Zirkzee’s Limited Playing Time
Joshua Zirkzee, who was brought in from Bologna last summer for £36.5 million, has seen limited minutes this season. Despite early promise, he has struggled to break into the starting XI. So far, he has played just 121 minutes in all competitions.
With Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko having arrived over the summer, Zirkzee has been pushed further down the pecking order. It seems likely that he will leave on loan in January to secure more playing time.
Zirkzee’s Potential Exit
United are reportedly open to a loan move for Zirkzee, with several clubs in Italy and England interested. AS Roma, Inter Milan, and Juventus are all linked with the Dutch forward. Premier League sides and Sevilla from Spain are also monitoring the situation.
United has made it clear they will not sell Zirkzee permanently for less than €40 million, but a loan deal with or without an option to buy is their preferred route.
Dusan Vlahovic: A Possible Solution for United
Dusan Vlahovic, who has been offered to Manchester United, could be the ideal replacement. The 25-year-old striker is in the final year of his contract with Juventus and has yet to agree to terms for a renewal. This has led to speculation that Juventus may be willing to sell him for around €20 million in January.
Vlahovic’s Contract Stand-Off at Juventus
Vlahovic’s contract at Juventus runs out in 2026, but the club is facing a tough financial situation. If the two parties don’t reach an agreement soon, the Serbian forward could leave for free in the summer. Juventus may prefer to sell him now for a fee rather than risk losing him on a free transfer.
With six goals and one assist already this season, Vlahovic is still performing well. His well-rounded skills, physicality, and clinical finishing make him an attractive option for Manchester United.
Zirkzee’s Stats for the 2024/25 Season
Here’s a quick look at Joshua Zirkzee’s stats for the current campaign:
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 32 | 3 | 2 | 1,394 |
| UEFA Europa League | 11 | 2 | 1 | 531 |
| FA Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 | 185 |
| EFL Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 | 146 |
| Community Shield | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total (24/25) | 49 | 7 | 3 | 2,256 |
Why Vlahovic Makes Sense for United
Dusan Vlahovic could be the perfect addition to Manchester United’s attack. His ability to score consistently in one of Europe’s top leagues and his versatility make him an excellent fit. United is aware of his situation at Juventus, and his price tag makes him an appealing option for a club looking to bolster their attack without breaking the bank.
With Zirkzee’s departure seeming more likely, a move for Vlahovic could be the solution United needs to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League.
