United hold the perfect card to hijack long-term midfield target’s La Liga move – report

It appears increasingly unlikely that Joshua Zirkzee will remain a Manchester United player beyond this season. Despite his technical gifts, the Dutchman has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. The speed of English football has been a major obstacle, limiting his ability to showcase his artistry in United colours. Zirkzee is a true baller, blending striker and playmaker talent with rare moments of brilliance. However, his occasional sluggishness undermines his consistency. He could have left last summer or in January, but he stayed. Still, it is hard to imagine him remaining on the United bench past this summer. Serie A clubs, who watched him dazzle for Bologna, are keen to take him back to Italy. But as they circle, United may well use the 2001-born striker as leverage in a swap deal, according to The Mirror. A swap: Joshua Zirkzee for Ederson The outlet notes Atalanta’s interest in Zirkzee and connects it to United’s pursuit of Ederson. They report: “Manchester United could be involved in a summer deal that would see Joshua Zirkzee move to Atalanta in a swap deal for Ederson.” Man United, Atalanta, everyone gets what they need Such a move could prove to be a win-win. Atalanta would secure Zirkzee, who solves their attacking struggles, while potentially cashing in on Ederson before losing him for free next year. For United, it would be a chance to kick-start their midfield rebuild with a long-term target without spending a penny. Although there is talk of Ederson agreeing personal terms with Atletico Madrid, the lure of Old Trafford and the opportunity to replace his compatriot Casemiro may be too tempting to resist. With Atleti yet to convince Atalanta over a deal, United now have the chance to play their card, seal the deal, and reshape their midfield. Featured image Francesco Scaccianoce via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.