£35m Manchester United star’s agent may force January exit if he doesn’t “feature prominently” soon

According to a new report, Joshua Zirkzee’s representatives may force a January transfer move if his situation at Manchester United does not change.

Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to find his footing at Manchester United since his £36 million move from Serie A club Bologna this summer.

Brought in to challenge Rasmus Højlund under former manager Erik ten Hag, Zirkzee initially made a promising start with a debut goal against Fulham. However, the Dutch forward has since been unable to replicate that form, failing to score again since that match.

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Known for dropping deep to link up play rather than operating as a traditional centre-forward, Zirkzee brings a different dimension to United’s attacking options. Yet, this distinct style has yet to yield the desired results.

In 17 appearances, Zirkzee has contributed just one goal and two assists, leading to speculation about a potential exit in the January transfer window as interest from other clubs begins to grow.

The January transfer window

Manchester United’s first transfer window under Rúben Amorim is fast approaching, with the January 2025 slot commencing in just over six weeks’ time.

According to TBRfootball, this six-week period is crucial for United and Zirkzee in determining his short-term future at Old Trafford despite joining the club just a few months ago.

The report states that despite no current plans for Zirkzee to exit Old Trafford in January despite mounting interest from Italy, this could change if he doesn’t “feature prominently” within the next six weeks.

The 23-year-old’s representatives will reportedly “assess” the situation surrounding Zirkzee following his opening six weeks under Rúben Amorim. The player himself feels confident he can succeed at Old Trafford.

A potential summer swap deal

According to reports from Germany, United are eyeing up the idea of offering Zirkzee in a swap-deal for Sporting CP striker Victor Gyökeres.

Gyökeres is a man who has been linked endlessly with United since Rúben Amorim was confirmed as the club’s new head coach, and with United needing goals, the man who has 23 in 18 games seems a perfect fit.

The report states that United are looking to move Zirkzee on in the summer if a genuine offer arrives and that Sporting is a ‘serious option’ for the Dutch international.

Previous reports have claimed that Sporting have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Gyokeres to let him leave for around £60 million next summer, which United could lower should they offer Zirkzee as a makeweight.

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