Sorloth vs Zirkzee, Spalletti has chosen New Striker

Joshua Zirkzee remains one of Juventus’ main targets as the club continues to explore the possibility of adding another striker before the transfer window closes.

The Dutchman already knows Serie A from his time at Bologna, possesses excellent technical qualities and could potentially leave Manchester United on loan.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee’s profile would fit several aspects of Juventus’ attacking approach. The former Bologna forward likes to drop between the lines, contribute to the build-up and create space for teammates making runs beyond him.

In an attacking system built around movement and fluidity, he could develop an interesting understanding with Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceição and the other attacking players.

However, there is one important question mark. Zirkzee is not a traditional, static No. 9 and is not particularly dominant in the air.

His characteristics are different from those offered by Randal Kolo Muani, while he may not provide the constant presence inside the penalty area that Luciano Spalletti is reportedly looking for.

Despite this, Zirkzee continues to wait for Juventus. Manchester United’s potential willingness to consider a loan could keep the opportunity alive, particularly if the English club decides that regular playing time elsewhere would benefit the striker.

Sorloth Fits Spalletti’s Request More Closely

Alexander Sorloth, meanwhile, appears to match Spalletti’s requirements more precisely. The Norwegian brings considerable physical strength, height and the ability to play with his back to goal, giving Juventus a different attacking dimension.

He could become an ideal reference point during the final stages of matches, particularly when Juventus need to break down a compact defence through crosses, second balls and less elaborate attacking situations.

Sorloth would also add a significant threat from set pieces and could allow Spalletti to occasionally deploy two strikers together.

The economic side of a deal with Atletico Madrid would be considerably more complicated. Juventus would need favourable conditions, potentially through a loan agreement, while also determining whether the Spanish club is willing to negotiate.

Any move for another striker remains closely connected to the future of Jonathan David. The Canadian spent the entire match against Frosinone on the bench and currently does not appear to occupy a central position in the team’s hierarchy.

His presence in the squad, however, prevents Juventus from adding another forward both in terms of squad numbers and the wage bill.

David still wants to fight for his place in Turin and has already rejected several possible solutions. At the same time, Juventus must also resolve Arkadiusz Milik’s situation, with a mutual termination remaining possible if no concrete offers arrive for the Polish striker.

Only after creating space in the squad will Juventus be able to make a decisive move for Zirkzee, Sorloth or perhaps another surprise option.

Spalletti already has plenty of technically gifted players behind the striker. Yildiz, Conceição, Zhegrova, Boga, Alajbegovic and McKennie can all contribute goals and assists, but they cannot completely replace a genuine penalty-box striker.

The match at the Stirpe highlighted that issue. Juventus created plenty of attacking situations, yet the decisive goal ultimately came from a defender following a set piece.

Adding a No. 9 capable of providing physical presence, depth and aerial strength could therefore make the team considerably more complete. It would not mean abandoning Spalletti’s desire for fluid attacking football.

Instead, it would give Juventus another weapon for those occasions when intricate combinations alone are not enough to break through an organised defence.

For now, Zirkzee remains an option, Sorloth may be the closer tactical fit, and Juventus’ next major move will depend on creating room for another striker.

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