Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is “desperate to leave Old Trafford” and could be a target for a move to West Ham in January, according to reports.
Zirkzee joined Man United from Bologna in the 2024 summer transfer window for around £37 million.
Despite joining with huge potential after paying a release fee of over £34 million, the Dutch international has struggled to adapt to Premier League football.
He played 49 games in all competitions for the Red Devils in the 2024/25 season, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
One of the biggest questions for Zirkzee is where to position him on the pitch. No one seems to know what his best position is and there doesn’t seem to be a place for him in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
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Zirkzee had the potential to be part of Amorim’s ‘wide 10’, but he has only appeared in four games so far this season and is yet to start a game.
New signings Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko comfortably lead the attacking pecking order, although Amorim clearly does not rate him.
Mason Mount has also been a favorite in the attack this season and started Sunday’s away game against Liverpool, but Zirkzee was left out as a substitute for the fifth time in the Premier League this season.
Given that Zirksee has been named in every matchday squad this season, Amorim may be reluctant to lose the attacking depth he provides, but you can’t blame him if he wants to leave the club.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a return to Italy since joining Manchester United, and that is still an option for him.
Meanwhile, according to talkSPORT, West Ham could target Zirksee in January as new manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants to bring in at least three new signings when the transfer window reopens.
In fact, reports claim that Nuno is demanding to sign a new striker during the winter period, with Zirksee being a “potential option”.
Zirksee is said to be “desperate to leave Old Trafford” and AS Roma are one of several Serie A clubs interested in the former Bologna striker.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear to West Ham bosses that at least three players, including a striker, need to be signed in January.
One potential option is Manchester United loser Joshua Zirkzee, who is desperate to leave Old Trafford.
West Ham will face competition from Italian clubs for Zirksee, including Roma, who are reportedly considering letting Evan Ferguson’s loan from Brighton expire and bringing in a replacement.
Nuno would prefer a target man like Chris Wood or Raul Jimenez.
If Zirkzee “really doesn’t want to leave” the Red Devils, you can’t blame him.
He is only 24 years old, but he proved in Bologna that he can be a top player. Moreover, this is a World Cup year and he needs to play if manager Ronald Koeman is to consider selecting him.
A return to Italy should go well for Zirksee, but he is yet to prove his potential to play in England.
From what he has shown so far, Zirksee does not factor in the pace of the Premier League and his game is not well suited for competition.
Serie A is perfect for him and he should return to Italy in January if he has any chance of being selected for the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
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