Joshua Zirkzee faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, with the January transfer window open as many clubs throughout Europe consider mid-season swoops.
It remains to be seen how active Manchester United will be in the January transfer window. Last year, Ruben Amorim signed two players who have proven worthy of being first-team regulars in recent weeks.
Patrick Dorgu has filled the role of a winger from wing-back in the absence of AFCON duo Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, while Ayden Heaven is having his best individual period of the season after a masterclass display in United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Manchester United must KEEP Joshua Zirkzee in January
However, with Amad and Mbeumo competing at the AFCON this month, there have been opportunities for other players to prove their worth to the team.
Joshua Zirkzee scored United’s only goal in the 1-1 draw with Wolves, but he was hauled off at half-time as Amorim made a tactical switch. His performance against Newcastle was criticised.
There is now a feeling that Ineos could cash in on the Dutch forward in January.
Joshua Zirkzee transfer could help Man Utd strengthen in January
The problem with Zirkzee being United’s only backup striker to Benjamin Sesko is that he is not a typical goalscorer.
That should make it easier for United to replace Zirkzee, who has repeatedly lost his place in the Netherlands national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Zirkzee has played a bit-part role under Amorim throughout the season, but United may seek alternatives in the market after missing out on Antoine Semenyo, who is set to join Man City following an impressive Premier League campaign at Bournemouth.
Reports hinted that Zirkzee has agreed personal terms with Roma over a loan-to-buy deal, but he will need the green light from United to complete the move.
Another player linked with a move away from Old Trafford is Kobbie Mainoo, but reliable reporter Ben Jacobs claims Zirkzee is ‘more likely’ to leave the club this month.
“At this stage, Zirkzee’s potential exit is maybe slightly more likely than Mainoo’s because Manchester United may feel they can cover the attack or find somebody in the market,” Jacobs said on The United Stand.
“Whereas if they lose Mainoo, they’ve got to bring in another midfielder. And even if they signed a Gallagher or a Neves with Bruno Fernandes injured and Manuel Ugarte’s form inconsistent, they still may feel that losing Kobe Mainoo leaves them too thin.”
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Jacobs believes Mainoo will stay regardless of offers because the midfield department is too thin to rely on Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Joshua Zirkzee record in Serie A
Zirkzee made 57 appearances in Italy for two clubs in Serie A.
Initially, at Parma, where Zirkzee made four appearances and was unable to get on the scoresheet.
Zirkzee scored 13 goals for Bologna in 53 appearances before earning a move to Old Trafford.
There have always been links to Italy wherever Zirkzee’s future came under question. It shows that he has a much stronger reputation across the continent.
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