Manchester United are prepared to let Joshua Zirkzee leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window, as a replacement has now been offered.
Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United has not been easy. The Dutchman joined the club from Bologna under Erik ten Hag, but the former Ajax manager was replaced by Rúben Amorim, just months after Zirkzee moved to Old Trafford.
Before Amorim replaced ten Hag, Zirkzee was behind Rasmus Hojlund in the centre-forward pecking order, and he remained behind him until the early months of 2025.
Just as Zirkzee was beginning to find form, a hamstring injury against Newcastle United all but ended his season. His only appearance after the injury came from the bench against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
The former Bayern Munich youngster missed United’s post-season tour in Asia and the full pre-season calendar, including games in the USA and at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee is yet to start a game this season and has been linked with a move away from the club in January, although United could be left short of options without him.
United offered Zirkzee replacement
United could be without Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui from December 21 until the end of January due to the African Cup of Nations, and Zirkzee could be set for more minutes. However, United are now prepared to let him leave the club, as per TeamTalk.
West Ham United are currently leading the race for Zirkzee, but fellow Premier League sides, including Aston Villa, Brighton and Everton, are also interested, while Sunderland may consider a loan move. Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma and Sevilla are European sides who are believed to be thinking about a transfer.
While United may keep hold of Zirkzee until the end of January, so they aren’t short of options, letting him go would leave just Benjamin Šeško as the only natural centre-forward in the senior team, not including young Chido Obi.
If Zirkzee is allowed to leave the club, a replacement will be needed and TeamTalk have reported that United have been offered the chance to sign Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian forward, with “star-striken performances” once upon a time, is without a contract for next season and could be signed for a low fee in January.
Vlahovic has struggled in recent times, but his profile could make him a brilliant backup option for Šeško if Zirkzee does leave the club, especially if he can be signed for a low fee.
A Zirkzee loan would suit all parties
Zirkzee’s passion for United is clear for all to see, but his lack of game time could force him into a move away, especially if he wants to play in the World Cup at the end of this season.
Therefore, United must consider loaning Zirkzee out for the remainder of the campaign before allowing him to return at the end of the year.
If United return to the Europa League or Champions League next season, Zirkzee’s versatility could prove crucial. But if he doesn’t play before then, he will demand a move.
To replace him until the end of the season, Amorim may trust in Obi or sign another forward on loan, like United have done in the past with Odion Ighalo and Wout Weghorst.
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