Dutch U21 international Joshua Zirkzee has joined Serie A side Parma Calcio on loan from German and European champions Bayern Munich.
Parma Calcio Secure Joshua Zirkzee Signature
Zirkzee Deal Includes Option to Buy
Zirkzee has moved to Serie A club Parma in a loan-deal which includes an option to buy worth a reported €15 million.
The forward made the move from Bayern Munich, who he joined as a 16-year-old. Zirkzee spent the majority of his time in Germany playing for the Bayern second side in the 3. Liga – the German third tier.
The 19-Year-Old Joins Parma With Wealth of Experience
However, Zirkzee made 12 appearances for the senior side, including twice in the Champions League.
Zirkzee was an unused substitute in the 2019/20 Champions League semi-final against Lyon.
After enjoying a title-winning 2019/20 campaign with Bayern II, Zirkzee’s form has stalled this time out and has failed to score or assist this season.
Parma In Need of Zirkzee Revival
Zirkzee can play anywhere across the front three positions and will join Serie A’s worst attack.
Parma sit in the relegation zone, three points from safety, having only scored fourteen goals all season – the lowest in the division. The club have won just once in the last 17 league matches.
The young Dutchman’s first task in Italy will be to revive Parma and save them from dropping to Serie B.
Zirkzee Chooses Italy Over England
In an Instagram story, Zirkzee thanked Bayern Munich, wishing them “all the best” for the future.
It was reported earlier in the January transfer window that Joshua Zirkzee would join Everton.
The lure of first-team football secured Zirkzee for Parma, with no certainties the same would be promised in Merseyside.
Late Push to Make Euro 2020 Squad for Zirkzee
Zirkzee’s move could spring a late push to make the Netherlands Euro 2020 squad.
He has represented the Netherlands at all youth levels from the U15 squad upwards but is yet to make his senior debut.
Zirkzee is a Netherlands native, born to a Nigerian mother and Dutch father. Having spent five years in Germany as a Bayern Munich player, Zirkzee would qualify to play for the German national team.
Main Photo
