Manchester United summer signing Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly prepared to return to Italy in the January transfer window.
The Red Devils recruited the Dutchman in the summer transfer window, signing him from Bologna for around €42.5m (£36.5m).
Zirkzee enjoyed a positive start to life in England, coming off the bench to score the winner on his Premier League debut against Fulham.
However, the 21-year-old has been unable to add to that solitary goal and has ultimately lost his place in the side to Rasmus Hojlund.
As a result, Zirkzee has had to settle for substitute appearances in Man United's last two Premier League matches, including Saturday's 2-1 victory over Brentford where Hojlund netted the winning goal.
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Zirkzee 'open' to Italy return
With Zirkzee struggling to find his best form, he is already being linked with a potential departure just over three months after joining the 20-time English champions.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Juventus could look to sign Zirkzee in a deal that would see Dusan Vlahovic move in the opposite direction.
While it is unclear whether Man United would entertain a swap move, Calcio Mercato are reporting that Zirzkee is open to a return to Italy in 2025.
The report claims that the striker is willing to move as early as the January transfer window, but it remains to be seen whether Man United would sanction his departure.
If they were willing to consider an exit, Man United most likely allow Zirkzee to return to Italy on an initial loan move.
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Is Zirkzee likely to leave Man United in 2025?
After making the effort to sign Zirkzee in the summer, it seems premature for Man United to even be thinking about letting him leave in 2025.
Zirkzee's potential exit would also leave Erik ten Hag with just Hojlund and Marcus Rashford as his two viable centre-forward options.
However, if Man United were to sign a new striker in January, they may consider allowing Zirkzee to leave on loan to gain regular playing time.
A return to Italy would suit the Netherlands international after he enjoyed success during his time at Bologna.
Last season, Zirkzee netted 11 goals in 34 Serie A matches to help Bologna qualify for the Champions League and earn himself a transfer to Man United.
A move to Juventus would also make sense for Zirkzee considering the fact that it would allow him to play under his former Bologna boss Thiago Motta.
Ben Sully
