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Santiago Castro: Man United initiate move for brilliant Zirkzee replacement
TL;DR
Manchester United is pursuing Bologna's Santiago Castro as a potential replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, whose performance has not met expectations since his £36.5 million transfer in 2024. Zirkzee's inability to adapt to the Premier League's pace has hindered his career at the club.
Santiago Castro: Man United initiate move for brilliant Zirkzee replacement
Bologna’s Santiago Castro could be the man to replace Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United.
Zirkzee’s United career has failed to take off. He has not lived up to the hype that saw the Red Devils sanction his £36.5 million deal in the summer of 2024.
Though technically gifted and among the most intelligent players in his position, his struggle to adapt to the Premier League’s pace has ultimately held him back.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, he is among the United stars expected to be on the move.
With his departure looking increasingly likely, the Manchester Reds are heavily linked with a striker transfer. The club are looking to sign someone who can challenge Benjamin Sesko for a starting spot.
Who that striker is remains a mystery, but it could well be Bologna’s number nine, Castro, as per il Resto del Carlino.
United to go undercover at Villa Park
Castro appears to have caught United’s attention to the point that the 20-time English champions are already taking necessary steps in their bid to sign him.
Indeed, when Bologna visit Villa Park on Thursday night for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash, INEOS are set to dispatch scouts to the West Midlands. As the Italian outlet confirms:
“There will be even more (scouting) in Birmingham, including those from Chelsea and Manchester United, according to rumours from across the Channel on the eve of the match, given that the Red Devils could sell former Rossoblu player Zirkzee at the end of the season.”
Castro for Zirkzee makes perfect sense
When United signed Zirkzee, he was coming off a campaign in which he had notched 12 goals in 37 games.
Castro is not boasting better numbers, with 11 goals so far this season for I Rossoblu. However, the Argentinian is more of a traditional striker, precisely the profile the Red Devils need, rather than the hybrid forward Zirkzee is.
Castro effortlessly disrupts defences with his quick movements, consistently punishing opponents to his team’s advantage. Highly mobile, tenacious, and versatile, he is often compared to his compatriot Sergio Aguero owing to his low centre of gravity and high energy.
He is built for the Premier League, something Zirkzee has, regrettably, failed to prove.
Featured image Alessandro Sabattini 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
Q&A
Why is Manchester United looking to replace Joshua Zirkzee?
Manchester United is considering a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee due to his underwhelming performance and struggles to adapt to the Premier League's pace.
Who is Santiago Castro and why is he being targeted by Manchester United?
Santiago Castro is a player from Bologna being targeted by Manchester United as a potential replacement for Zirkzee, given his technical skills and intelligence on the field.
What was the transfer fee for Joshua Zirkzee when he joined Manchester United?
Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United for a transfer fee of £36.5 million in the summer of 2024.
