Bayern Munich: Two clubs fighting for signing of Joshua Zirkzee
The next few weeks could see a lot of departures from the first team at Bayern Munich. Some are likely to be high profile, while others will be leaving to get consistent playing time next season. Joshua Zirkzee falls under the second category as he looks to continue his development.
Bayern chief Hasan Salihamidzic reportedly wants Zirkzee to get opportunities during pre-season to impress Julian Nagelsmann. However, the Dutch striker is not keen on playing in a reduced role next season. The Dutch striker wants to play regularly after enjoying a very productive loan spell at Anderlecht. As things stand, it is a two-way battle for the signing of Zirkzee.
According to Sky Sports, Ajax and VfB Stuttgart have registered concrete interest in Zirkzee. The Dutch forward is reportedly valued at €15 million by Die Roten, but interest from multiple clubs can help the Bavarian club to get a good fee. Both clubs have made contact to make a preliminary inquiry about the forward.
Ajax is currently looking to replace Sebastian Haller. The Ivory Coast defender has completed a move to Borussia Dortmund. The Dutch club has identified the duo of Joshua Zirkzee and Brian Brobbey to replace the output of Haller. Ajax’s interest in Zirkzee has also been reported during last season.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart is considering Zirkzee as the ideal candidate to replace Sasa Kalajdzic. The Austrian striker will not be moving to Bayern, but he is expected to leave Stuttgart this summer. Few reports had previously suggested that Bayern could involve Zirkzee in a swap deal to sign Kalajdzic, but that scenario is looking unlikely.
Joshua Zirkzee enjoyed a very productive loan spell at Anderlecht last season. After a disappointing 2020/21 with Bayern and Parma, Zirkzee got back to his best at Anderlecht. He managed to score 15+ goals in the Belgian league. His consistent performances at Anderlecht have made sure that there is significant interest from various clubs.
Zirkzee has no plans to stay at Bayern. With a chance of making a case for a place in the Dutch National Team for the World Cup, he needs to play regularly next season. A move to Ajax will help him in getting better and improving his chances of playing for the Netherlands in the World Cup later this year.
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Bayern will also get a significant fee for a forward that is unlikely to play regularly in Bavaria next season. The Bavarian club will be able to reinvest the fee in signing a number nine that will replace Robert Lewandowski. Die Roten is open to sanctioning the Polish striker’s departure if Barcelona pays €60 million for him.