Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee finds himself itching for the exit at Old Trafford, with the January transfer window offering a potential escape route to West Ham, according to recent reports.
The Dutchman arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2024 from Bologna, setting the Red Devils back roughly £37 million. Despite the lofty investment, Zirkzee has failed to acclimatise to the rigours of Premier League football, scoring a mere seven goals and providing three assists in 49 appearances across all competitions last season.
The versatility of Zirkzee has become something of a conundrum, with manager Ruben Amorim struggling to identify his best position within the team’s 3-4-2-1 formation. Though there were hopes he could flourish as one of the side’s ‘wide 10s’, his current campaign has seen him feature just four times, none of which were starts.
Amorim appears to have scant faith in Zirkzee’s abilities, opting instead for fresh talents like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. Even Mason Mount has seen more time in an attacking role, while Zirkzee has been left to warm the bench on multiple occasions.
Despite his inclusion in every matchday squad so far, it’s clear the player is yearning for regular action. Aged 24, Zirkzee needs consistent playing time, especially with the World Cup fast approaching, if Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman is to consider him for selection.
A potential return to Italy has lingered since his arrival in Manchester, with AS Roma among several Serie A sides rumoured to be interested in the former Bologna man. Meanwhile, a move within the Premier League could beckon, with West Ham contemplating an approach come January.
TalkSPORT reveals that new West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo seeks to reinforce his squad with at least three signings in the winter window, with a striker like Zirkzee fitting the bill. Crucially, Nuno prefers a target man-esque figure reminiscent of Chris Wood or Raul Jimenez, and Zirkzee could fit the mould.
Yet, competition looms from Italian clubs, including Roma, who might terminate Evan Ferguson’s loan to bring in Zirkzee. The young Dutchman’s style seems more in tune with the tempo of Serie A, and a switch there may very well bolster his World Cup aspirations.
As the January window nears, the question remains whether Zirkzee can carve out his niche in English football or if a return to Italy is his best course. Either way, a fresh start might be precisely what he needs.
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