Gullit states Zirkzee made a mistake going to Man Utd rather than Milan: “I was hoping”

AC Milan were very close to signing Joshua Zirkzee in the 2024 summer mercato. However, he ended up heading to England, where Manchester United were waiting.

The mercato can be a cruel game sometimes, and Milan experienced that with Zirkzee. It seemed for months leading up to the summer that he would arrive at Milanello, but a deal could not be agreed despite prolonged efforts.

In fact, the Rossoneri were even considering signing his brother to sweeten the deal, but issues with comissions and wages meant that the Dutchman headed to England, after Manchester United swooped in late.

Gullit, Zirkzee and Milan

The move, as most see it, has not gone well for either party. Zirkzee’s career has stalled, and the Red Devils have preferred to use several others ahead of him. Today, Ruud Gullit offered his opinion on the move, and what he had hoped for the striker.

“From my point of view, he should have stayed in Italy. He was doing really well at Bologna and I was hoping he would go to Milan,” he told Metro (via Football Italia).

“I think as soon as he went to Manchester United, it was a wrong move. For many players, joining Manchester United has been a mistake, and once they leave, they play well everywhere else in Europe.

“Go back to Italy on loan if you can. Just play football, he’s a good player, but right now it’s tough at Manchester United.”

With the Rossoneri looking to sign a loanee striker in January possibly, perhaps Gullit could get his wish.