Joshua Zirkzee’s rollercoaster ride at Manchester United will apparently come to an end after just a season. The Dutch forward is ready to demand a move from Old Trafford in the January window, with West Ham United currently leading the race for his signature.
Zirkzee, 24, joined United from Bologna last summer in deal worth £36m but his dream move has rapidly turned sour. A player once regarded as one of the most promising forwards in Europe, the Netherlands international has endured a frustrating time in England, both short on form and confidence and game-time.
Zirkzee’s Struggles at Old Trafford
The Dutchman Zirkzee was the invention of former United manager Erik ten Hag, who deemed him a creative outlet connecting midfield to finisher inside the penalty area. But the departure of Ten Hag and the appointment of Ruben Amorim in the dugout changed everything.
There has been a slide down the pecking order for Zirkzee since Amorim took over, having played just four games this season. He last scored a Premier League goal 10 months ago, in December, and the drought has raised new questions about his future in United’s long-term plans.
The Dutchman only managed to score seven goals in 49 appearances in all competitions last term – a woeful return for a striker that cost the club so much money, while fans and media hammered him for not having the ability to cut it in English football.
It got worse after United’s summer recruitment of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko reduced Zirkzee to the bottom of the attacking pecking order. Insider sources indicate that Amorim does not consider him part of the future plans anymore, and United’s board are willing to listen to both permanent and loan offer in January.
West Ham Lead the Chase
Of the clubs who have been keeping an eye, West Ham United are reportedly serious challengers to acquire Zirkzee. The Hammers are said to be eager to improve their attacking options as they have had a difficult start to the season and feel Zirkzee could rediscover his best form with regular game time under David Moyes.
But the forward wants to remain in England’s topflight to show he has still got what it takes. If there is nothing that interests him in England then he would be happy to go back to Europe, a number of Italian clubs are keen on him.
Zirkzee’s agents have already started considering possible destinations, with a loan transfer with the option to stay permanently considered a viable solution by all parties. United, though, will presumably want to go for a permanent sale in order to generate funds for future transfers.
Author’s View: A Necessary Split for Both Sides
Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United has reflected potential that never fully translated into performance. No one ever questioned his skill set or knowledge, it was always the inconsistency and lack of opportunities from Amorim,” he has no space to grow now. For a 24-year-old who is entering his prime years, regular playing time is of upmost importance.
From United’s point of view, the move to offload Zirkzee in January is a logical one. The club can clear salaries and concentrate on building other attacking options more apt for Amorim’s high-press philosophy. For Zirkzee, a switch to a club such as West Ham might be the reboot he badly requires—less stress, more game-time, and a new platform to revive his career.
With January drawing near, the tale is developing into one of the transfer window’s major subplots. Joshua Zirkzee seems poised to depart, and Manchester United seem just as willing to allow him to do so.
