Why Giroud moving to MLS is bad news for Man Utd

Carlo Garganese

• 17 Mar 2024 10:50 GMT
• 3 min read

Olivier Giroud is edging closer to a summer transfer to the United States, and it could spell bad news for Manchester United.

Giroud’s contract at AC Milan expires at the end of the season and, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, it is considered likelier than not that he won’t pen a renewal.

Gazzetta reports that Giroud is in talks with clubs in the United States over a free transfer to the MLS.

READ MORE: European Golden Shoe 2023/24: Who is Europe’s leading striker?

Giroud’s entourage are intensifying negotiations with clubs in New York and Los Angeles.

Gazzetta states that it is possible Giroud could still sign a one-year renewal at Milan but a free transfer seems likelier as the Frenchman turns 38 in September.

Milan go after Zirkzee

If Giroud was to leave Milan it could spell bad news for Man Utd as Joshua Zirkzee is considered the Rossoneri’s favoured replacement for the World Cup winner.

READ MORE: Who is Joshua Zirkzee?

Zirkzee is one of the main names on Man Utd’s striker shortlist for this summer. The Red Devils want another option in the number 9 role as they have been over-reliant on Danish rookie Rasmus Hojlund this season.

Bologna’s star man, Joshua Zirkzee has emerged in 2023-24 as one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe.

The 22-year-old, who has a €40 million buyback clause at Bologna which is valid only for Bayern Munich, has scored 10 goals and delivered three assists this season.

He has proved pivotal in leading fourth-placed Bologna to the verge of a shock Champions League spot for next season.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who is expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. He is strong at protecting the ball with his back to play, but he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.

Due to his blend of height, strength and technique, Dutchman Zirkzee has been compared by some to Milan legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Milan see him as the ideal replacement for Giroud - and Zlatan, who retired at the end of last season.