Joshua Zirkzee almost stamped his name in Manchester United’s history books even before becoming a Red Devils as details of his discussion with top rated talent Jamal Musiala emerged.
The German attacking midfielder spoke to the media about his talks with the Dutchman over moving to United after the Dutchman’s deal was completed.
Musiala is one of a number of players in the current Bayern Munich setup that is not expected to remain at the club for the near future. Despite being under 23 years old, the former England youth international is already an established football player and a modern Bayern Munich legend.
Since making his senior debut in 2020 under current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick – who reports claim is looking to reunite with a few of his old Bayern players at Barça – Musiala, 21, has won nine trophies with Der Rekordmeister including four Bundesliga titles and one FIFA Club World Cup.
He is currently in his fifth season at the club but last season could have been his last as he revealed recently.
“You always joke around with friends and dream of playing together in the same team one day,” Musiala clarified. “The jokes go both ways: I also told Josh that he should come back to Bayern. But you shouldn’t take that too seriously.”
Though Musiala states that the discussion was a joke, there is documented interest from Manchester United’s side. The prospect of playing together with his close friend could have appealed to Musiala, who is under contract at Bayern until 2026 and is reportedly considering his options after four successful seasons.
United may not look to secure his signing in the near future but Barcelona are lurking. Reports claim that Hansi Flick is looking to sign Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich on a free, and is also interested in a few other unnamed Bayern Munich players, one of who may be Musiala.
Bayern Munich want to keep Kimmich at the club beyond the end of the season when his contract expires, but it remains to be seen what his plans are. Bayern hold an interest in Frenkie De Jong and Flick may push for a straight swap with Kimmich for both clubs to get their desired players.
Barcelona also have an interest in signing Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah who is wanted by Bayern Munich.
Whatever happens, Musiala’s future seems to be lying further and further away from the Allianz Arena. United fans, who have taken to social media to ask Zirkzee to bring his friend along, will surely want him at Old Trafford.
