Manchester United have identified a potential replacement for Joshua Zirkzee in the event the Dutch forward leaves the club in January.
With the lack of games due to no European football and the arrival of Benjamin Šeško, Joshua Zirkzee could potentially leave Manchester United in January as the Dutchman looks to secure his spot in Ronald Koeman’s World Cup squad.
Zirkzee endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford last season, but got better and better with time. He ended the 2024-25 season with many fans very optimistic about his future.
However, for reasons already mentioned above, Zirkzee has only played 90 minutes in total so far this season in all competitions and this has raised questions about his future at Old Trafford.
Should he leave the club this summer, there will undoubtedly be serious interest from the Serie A as is always the case with Zirkzee. His stock in Italy is extremely high and clubs there will definitely be monitoring his situation closely. He could also stay in England, with West Ham United said to be keen.
United keen on Eyong as Zirkzee replacement
Should Zirkzee leave in January, United are said to be interested in Levante striker Etta Eyong, although they face competition from other sides.
According to Fichajes, United have shown interest in Eyong and see the 22-year-old as a suitable option should Zirkzee leave the club. Fichajes do report, however, that the “outstanding” player’s release clause, which reportedly ranges from €30–40 million, could hinder an immediate deal.
United aren’t the only Premier League club keen on signing Eyong. Despite signing Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, Fichajes report that the Gunners have an interest in Eyong, but they do not see him as an immediate priority, rather as an opportunity to strengthen their medium-term project.
United’s city rivals, Manchester City, are also reportedly interested as they look to add depth to their attack, the report claims, despite signing Rayan Cherki in the summer transfer window.
Zirkzee leaving could be best for both parties
As he showed last season, particularly in the Europa League, Zirkzee is an outstanding footballer. Not a traditional striker, but rather more of a false nine. A player who’s technically slick, excels at dropping deep, pulling defenders out of position to create space for others and linking the play.
Unfortunately, that’s not the profile of striker Rúben Amorim wants. Amorim wants a striker who can run in behind and stay closer to the goal. That’s why last season, Amorim often used Zirkzee as a No.10, rather than as a striker. However, even when Amorim wants to use a false nine, like he did vs Liverpool at Anfield, Matheus Cunha was preferred for that role.
United are stacked in the No. 10 positions, too. Bryan Mbeumo has been a pivotal part of Amorim’s side this season in the right no.10 role, while Cunha and Mason Mount have shared the minutes on the left. Amad and Bruno Fernandes are also capable of playing there.
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After United’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, Amorim said: “Josh is a bit like Cunha in playing between the lines. If you look at the game, we needed a guy in the box and Ben is the best for that. Sometimes it’s a question of characteristics and the players know that.”
One of Zirkzee’s biggest issues is that he’s struggled to deal with the physicality of the Premier League. It’s therefore no surprise that his best football last season came in the Europa League. He was particularly good against Real Sociedad, a team that isn’t physically amazing.
Zirkzee would be amazing in La Liga, or as he’s already shown, in the Serie A. However, the Premier League doesn’t suit him, nor does Amorim’s system. If he were to leave in January, he could get his career back on track, and United could reinvest that money in players suited to the system.
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