Bayern Munich loanee Joshua Zirkzee needs to “gain confidence and score goals” at Parma

Joshua Zirkzee got off to a bit of a rousing start in his first-team career with Bayern Munich, but slowing faded into a funk that he could not dig his way out of.

Recognizing the player might need a new challenge, Bayern Munich sent Zirkzee to Parma on a loan assign that the Bavarians are hoping gets the Dutch youngster back on track.

“He’s a striker — it’s always about self-confidence and scoring goals,” said Bayern Munich campus director Jochen Sauer. “It worked out great here at the beginning — it got more difficult in the end. I think he was also about changing the air. The best option is then a club that has problems in that position and wants the player. Parma is behind in Italy and urgently needs goals. I believe that it is a way for him to gain confidence and score goals.”

For Zirkzee the opportunity for a fresh start is certainly huge. From a Bayern Munich perspective, it is a win-win deal. If Zirkzee does well and convinces Parma that he is top-flight material, the Italian club could exercise a reported €15 million purchase option on the 19-year-old. If Zirkzee falters, he can return to Bavaria for further training and can map out a new path on his journey.

So far, Zirkzee has made two appearances covering 68 minutes of playing time. No doubt, Parma will be looking to fast-track Zirkzee’s integration into a regular spot in the line-up.