Should Joshua Zirkzee Move Back To Serie A? Ruud Gullit Has His Say On Manchester United Star’s Future

AC Milan icon Ruud Gullit has urged Joshua Zirkzee to make a Serie A return, after the Dutchman failed to impress in Manchester.

Will Joshua Zirkzee Leave Manchester United In January?

Joshua Zirkzee has been heavily linked with a move away from Manchester United after dropping down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim and the 24-year-old is now being urged to leave by his fellow countryman, Ruud Gullit.

After signing for the Red Devils in July 2024 for €42.5 million, the Dutch international was expected to lead the line for Erik ten Hag and push Rasmus Hojlund out of the team.

Zirkzee’s maiden season with the Red Devils failed to meet expectations and the Dutchman went on to score just seven goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, Ruben Amorim brought in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, while Rasmus Hojlund joined Serie A champions Napoli on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

This shift in the attacking roster has inflicted huge damage on the Dutchman’s position in Manchester and Zirkzee has made just five appearances in all competitions – failing to start a single game.

With the Red Devils now starting to find some form in the Premier League, Zirkzee’s chances of breaking into the starting XI have become even slimmer and AC Milan legend Gullit has offered some advice to the United star.

The Dutch soccer icon recently spoke with videogamer.com and questioned why Zirkzee moved to Manchester before slamming the Red Devils for damaging players’ careers.

Gullit said: “I think from my point of view that he should have stayed in Italy, because he was really striving.

“He was really doing well at Bologna and I was hoping that he would go to Milan. I think that as soon as he went to Manchester United, it was the wrong decision.

“I mean, for a lot of players, moving to Manchester United has been the wrong decision. And whoever leaves them, plays well everywhere around Europe. I just hope that there’s a solution for him.”

Amorim’s management of Zirkzee has seen the Dutchman be heavily mentioned in the latest transfer rumours in Serie A and the 24-year-old could make a return to Italy in January next year.

Should Joshua Zirkzee Move Back To Serie A?

The Manchester United striker enjoyed a strong period in Italy’s top division between August 2022 – July 2024, as Zirkzee was the star man for Bologna.

During his two years with the Serie A side, Zirkzee made 58 appearances and contributed to 23 goals (14G + 9A), adding 16 goal involvements in Serie A during the 2023/24 campaign.

Although Bologna was an undoubted success for the Dutch international, his first spell in Italy came in a brief loan spell to Parma between February – June 2021.

Zirkzee failed to impress during this temporary spell, making just four appearances and failing to register a goal or assist, meaning the Italian side declined the opportunity to make the deal permanent.

Gullit, who made 178 appearances in Serie A while winning three Scudettos, believes Zirkzee should return to Italy and earn some vital minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The 63-year-old said: “Go back to Italy on loan if you can. Just play football. He’s a good player. But at the moment, it’s difficult at Manchester United.”

Multiple Serie A sides will be heavily interested in the Manchester United star, but a move to Italy does not guarantee success as shown by Evan Ferguson’s struggle with Roma.

Which Serie A Sides Should Sign Joshua Zirkzee?

Moving back to Serie A could be smart career move for Zirkzee and multiple reports have labeled Bologna as the most likely option for the Dutch striker.

His previous experience with the Rossoblu could make for a smooth transition, but Vincenzo Italiano’s side have enjoyed a strong campaign so far.

Bologna are currently fifth in the table and are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, meaning the Italian side may not be looking for any additions in January.

In contrast, Roma have been linked with multiple forwards across Europe, showing interest in the likes of Joaquin Panichelli from Strasbourg and Zirkzee could be another name on their wish-list.

As we previously mentioned, Evan Ferguson has struggled to find his feet in the Italian capital and Roma are one of the least prolific teams in Serie A.

The Giallorossi have scored just 10 league goals this season, despite sitting fourth in the table, and Gian Piero Gasperini will be looking to bolster his attacking roster in January.