Manchester United, the renowned English football club, has reportedly shifted its focus from VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy to former Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Red Devils are now closely monitoring the situation of the Bologna striker who is currently having an impressive season in Italy.
The recent acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been confirmed. This significant development is expected to shape the club's transfer plans moving forward.
According to reports, Manchester United is keen on signing a new striker in January following their struggles with goal scoring. They have managed just 18 goals in 18 Premier League games this season, with their attackers combining for only four league goals.
For months now, Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy had been named as the top target for Manchester United due to his exceptional form for his club. However, it appears that the Red Devils are prepared to give up their interest in the Guinean striker and instead opt for a move towards younger talent - Joshua Zirkzee.
Bologna's rise this season has been mainly due to Joshua Zirkzee’s form
Joshua Zirkzee was once considered a wonderkid at Bayern Munich where he played between 2018 and 2022 before leaving to join Bologna. After showing glimpses of brilliance during his debut season in Italy, this young player has truly come into his own this season.
Zirkzee's performance so far includes seven goals and two assists in Serie A this season along with another goal scored during a Coppa Italia match. His impressive performance is attracting interest from multiple sides across Europe ahead of potential winter transfers.
Manchester United seems prepared to move for Zirkzee who holds a €40 million release clause in his contract with Bologna, which is set to expire in 2026. The young striker could provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund and potentially replace Anthony Martial, who is unlikely to be offered a contract extension that expires next summer.
With a buy-back clause active, Bayern Munich can also enter the race
Bayern Munich also remains a potential contender for Zirkzee's transfer as they retain a 50% buy-back clause for the striker. They also hold a 50% sell-on clause, meaning they will receive half of whatever transfer fee Bologna gets for the Dutchman.
Manchester United's shift from Guirassy to Zirkzee indicates their strategy towards investing in younger talent.
With the club’s new stakeholder and revised transfer plans, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the upcoming winter transfers.
