Man Utd backed to sign Juventus star in swap deal, good fit for Amorim

Manchester United did not make a forward signing during the winter transfer window.

The Red Devils sanctioned the loan exits of Marcus Rashford and Antony but opted against a replacement for either player before the transfer deadline.

The club are most likely to spend during the summer. A marquee striker could be the top priority for manager Ruben Amorim ahead of next season.

This could coincide with a possible striker exit, and Tuttosport claims that Joshua Zirkzee could leave in an exchange deal for Juventus’ Douglas Luiz.

Luiz has been a long-term target for the Red Devils. He has remained on the club’s radar despite his switch from Aston Villa to the Bianconeri last year.

United could be willing to swap Zirkzee for the Brazilian. It is a solution which would suit both clubs without hampering their summer budgets.

Amorim could sanction Zirkzee’s exit to land Luiz

The Red Devils are set for a busy summer transfer window. A versatile central midfielder could be prioritised with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro poised to leave.

Luiz would be a perfect acquisition for Amorim. He can operate from the number six or number eight positions. He has a knack for making goal contributions.

The midfielder had an excellent 2023/24 season with the Villans. He accumulated 10 goals and 10 assists in 53 outings. He also excelled with several other attributes.

The Brazilian had an 89 percent passing accuracy. He won half of his duels and averaged 5.7 recoveries and 1.7 tackles per league game. He also caught the eye with his work rate and high pressing.

Luiz, described as ‘world-class‘ by Villa midfielder John McGinn, has surprisingly failed to hit the ground running since his £42 million switch to Turin last summer.

The slower and tactical nature of the Italian top-flight has not worked in his favour. He could be tempted to return to the Premier League on a permanent basis this summer.

Zirkzee has shown promise over the past few weeks. However, if United were to land a marquee striker such as Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim could give the green light for Zirkzee’s exit.

United are more likely to keep Rasmus Hojlund alongside Gyokeres, considering the huge £72m outlay made. The Dane is almost two years younger than Zirkzee and has untapped potential.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.