Bayern Munich had a massive squad overhaul during the last summer transfer window. The Bavarian club added five new players to the first team, while several players left the club permanently. Robert Lewandowski was the biggest departure, but Bayern did some smart deals for young players that need consistent playing time at this stage of their careers.
Joshua Zirkzee was one of the players that left Bayern permanently last summer. The Dutch forward joined Bologna for €8.5 million. The transfer fee for Zirkzee was relatively low since he shone for Anderlecht last season. However, Bayern managed to get a 50% sell-on clause in this deal.
Zirkzee attracted a lot of interest from various clubs across Europe. Fulham was keen on signing him, but a move didn’t materialise. Meanwhile, Ajax, West Ham, Stuttgart, and Anderlecht were credited with an interest in the forward. He eventually agreed to move to Bologna late in the summer.
Despite leaving Bavaria on a permanent transfer, Joshua Zirkzee is not closing the door to a return to Bayern in the future. While talking to the media this week (via Sport1), the Dutch forward insisted that playing for Die Roten in the future will be a dream come true, but he is firmly focused on the project at Bologna.
"“In the distant future, I would like to return (to Bayern). Who wouldn’t like to play for Bayern Munich? It’s the club where I grew up, it would be a dream come true.”"
Zirkzee made his senior debut for Bayern in 2019. He enjoyed a very productive first season in the first team as Hansi Flick often used him as cover for Robert Lewandowski. The Dutch striker ended up scoring four goals for the senior team during the 2019/20 campaign. He was also on the bench in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Dutch striker was expected to take the next step in his development during the 2020/21 campaign, but the arrival of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting significantly diminished Zirkzee’s chances of playing in the first team. He eventually went out on loan to Parma early in 2021. Zirkzee’s first stint in Italy was disastrous as he struggled with injury and form at Parma.
The second loan spell for Zirkzee came in 2021/22 as he joined Anderlecht. It was a very successful season-long loan for the Dutch forward, as he scored more than 15 goals across all competitions for the Belgian club. Die Roten used him during pre-season friendlies, but he was always destined for a permanent transfer.
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Zirkzee has endured a slow start at Bologna, but he will definitely pick up speed as the season progresses. Regular playing time will allow Joshua Zirkzee to take the next step in his development. If he ends up becoming a solid striker, a return to Bayern could be on the cards in the future.