When Roberto Baggio is describing you as an ‘exceptional’ talent, that must almost feel like getting a compliment straight out of the mouth of God himself.
And the Manchester United target could have been forgiven for pinching himself as one of the biggest icons in the history of Italian football opened up on his admiration for a forward who has already earned comparisons with Dimitar Berbatov and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Joshua Zirkzee is not the most prolific forward in world football. The former Bayern Munich youngster has only 11 in all competitions throughout 2023/24. But there is more to Zirkzee’s game than goals. And Baggio, one of Italy’s ‘Mount Rushmore’ players alongside the likes of Francesco Totti and Franco Baresi, is better placed than most to pass judgement on a man who continues to be linked with a £42 million move to Manchester United.
Baggio, despite his iconic status, broke the 20 goal barrier in only two of his 18 Serie A seasons after all.
Manchester United like Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee, not quite a number nine, not quite a number ten but a elegant, balletic talent who does much of his best work in the half-spaces and between the lines, is unlikely to be the relentless goalscorer Man United are crying out for.
But his vision, intelligence and masterful movement could be the key to unlocking the potential of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
“Very much,” Milan and Fiorentina legend – and 1993 Ballon D’Or winner -Baggio tells Tuttosport when asked if he’s an admirer of Zirkzee. “He’s had an exceptional season in Bologna. He has great qualities and ample room for improvement.”
Man United reportedly scouted the former Netherlands Under 21 international during Bologna’s recent Serie A clash with Atalanta, alongside La Dea duo Teun Koopmeiners and Giorgio Scalvini. The Red Devils are expected to sign a new striker this summer, especially with Anthony Martial’s contract expiring. But it remains to be seen what type, what profile, and what age they end up prioritising.
A classic, experienced, Premier League proven number nine like an Ivan Toney. Or something a little more niche. A little more exotic and ethereal.
Likened to Dimitar Berbatov
“Zirkzee? He will be a transfer man in the summer,” Roberto Acquafresca, who spent six years at Bologna until 2017, tells Tuttomercatoweb. “And, if I have to compare him to someone, he reminds me a lot of Berbatov.
“Because he has great technique and vision of the game and only scores beautiful goals.”
According to Sport Italia, Man United are near the front of the queue for Zirkzee, having also shown an interest in his Bologna coach Thiago Motta amid the uncertainty hanging over Erik ten Hag.
Bayern Munich have a buy-back clause in Zirkzee’s contract. But the de-throned Bundesliga champions appear unlikely to take up such an opportunity. For all Bayern’s problems, a lack of goals from Harry Kane is not one of them.