Liam Duckstein
| Prefer us on Google — see Tips.gg in Top Stories & Discover | Add on Google |
Former youth coach Ferry Verbeek has publicly backed Manchester United misfit Joshua Zirkzee to revive his career with a move to Juventus this summer. Speaking exclusively to Tutto Juve, Verbeek, who coached the Dutch international at V.V. Hekelingen, believes Turin offers the ideal platform for Zirkzee to fulfil his potential.
“I’d almost say it’s bound to happen! He’s at the peak of his maturity; Juventus would be a better fit for him than Manchester United!” Verbeek said.
“If he can’t do it at his next club, reaching the top will become increasingly difficult. And that would be a shame, because he has the ideal foundation to become a top-level footballer.”
Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in a €40 million deal in the summer of 2024 but has struggled to establish himself. The Dutch international managed nine goals and four assists overall, with last season proving particularly difficult: 24 Premier League appearances, only five starts, just over 600 minutes of league football, two goals, and one assist.
With Zirkzee no longer an integral part of Manchester United’s first-team plans, the club appears willing to sanction his departure, opening the door for Juventus. Verbeek believes Zirkzee’s technical ability could make him a valuable addition to the squad, particularly with regular minutes to rebuild his confidence.
“Thanks to his technique and speed, he could prove to be a valuable asset. Playing and building confidence is crucial for him!” he explained, before adding, “His intuition and vision are formidable tools for scoring goals.”
Why Zirkzee Could Appeal to Spalletti
While Spalletti is reportedly targeting a physically dominant No. 9 capable of leading the line inside the penalty area, Verbeek argues Zirkzee offers a different dimension.
“Yes, but Joshua can play in any attacking position,” he said, before adding, “He could even play as an attacking midfielder if he wanted to, because he can protect the ball and has the right eye for providing excellent assists.”
That positional flexibility makes Zirkzee an appealing option for Juventus, given his capacity to operate as an advanced forward or drop deeper into midfield. A move to Turin is not straightforward, though. Juventus must first clarify Jonathan David’s future before making a concrete push for Zirkzee, as per recent reports. The Canadian striker joined the club on a free transfer last summer but endured a difficult debut campaign, scoring eight goals. Although David would prefer to stay and prove himself, his exit would open a forward slot and ease Juventus’s financial position.
Spalletti remains keen to add another attacking option. For Zirkzee, Juventus represents a chance to rebuild on a prominent European stage. Stay with TipsGG for the latest on this developing transfer situation.