Zirkzee chooses Napoli: €42.5 million and a fresh start

On a bleak evening in Manchester, where the lights of Old Trafford faintly glitter, Joshua Zirkzee stands in the dressing room and looks at a letter that confirms his future in Serie A. The €42.5 million transfer, which he himself sees as an opportunity for 2027, promises a new chapter.

In the summer of 2024, the Dutch international made the step from Bologna to the Red Devils. Manchester United paid a transfer fee of €42.5 million to bring in the young striker. The expectation was that he would strengthen the attack, but reality turned out differently.

Lack of impact at United

Zirkzee, however, contributed little for United: in 79 appearances he scored only nine goals and provided four assists. These numbers show that he did not make the desired breakthrough. The Italian media outlet Area Napoli describes the period as a nightmare for the club.

Last summer United tried to finalize a (loan) deal with Everton on the final day of the transfer window, but the negotiations were abruptly terminated. Under the leadership of Michael Carrick, the situation for the Dutch striker appears to be coming to an end. The club pulled the plug on the talks.

According to Area Napoli, Manchester United wants to receive about €30 million for Zirkzee. The intended successor in attack is Jean‑Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace. In Napoli, Zirkzee will train together with fellow countryman Noa Lang and former teammate Rasmus Højlund.

With a fresh start in Serie A, Zirkzee hopes to revive his career. For the Red Devils, his departure means an opportunity to reshape the attack.