Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly ready to end his troubled Manchester United spell by formally requesting a transfer in January. The £36 million 2024 signing has fallen completely out of favour under Ruben Amorim, and West Ham United are leading the race to rescue the Dutch striker from his Old Trafford nightmare after a torrid year where he has struggled to find any form.
Zirkzee to request transfer
Zirkzee is set to ask Manchester United for a move away when the transfer window reopens in January as per the Daily Star. The 24-year-old forward has endured a miserable stint since joining from Bologna in 2024, managing only seven goals in 49 appearances during his first season before falling out of the Amorim’s plans this term. Red Devils boss Amorim has not made it clear that Zirkzee is not part of his long-term vision, however, the Dutchman has slipped behind new arrivals Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in the pecking order.
West Ham United have emerged as frontrunners to secure his signature, according to reports from talkSPORT. The Hammers are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, having scored just six goals in eight Premier League games and currently sitting second bottom of the table. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is seeking a striker to complement Jarrod Bowen and lift the team out of their early relegation battle.
Zirkzee has become increasingly frustrated with his lack of minutes, featuring only four times this season and accumulating just 74 minutes of league football. He has not scored in a Premier League match since December last year, and his peripheral role at Old Trafford has left him “desperate” to secure a move that will reignite his career. United are open to letting him leave either on loan or permanently, with the possibility of a short-term exit leading to a full transfer next summer.
AdvertisementGettyZirkzee's struggles
Signed as a key part of Erik ten Hag’s rebuild, Zirkzee arrived with high expectations following an impressive season in Serie A but never truly settled into the pace and intensity of English football. Fans initially hoped he would provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund, but inconsistency and low confidence turned him into a peripheral figure long before Amorim’s arrival.
The arrival of Amorim brought no change in fortunes, as the Portuguese coach has favoured more mobile, high-pressing forwards suited to his tactical system. Zirkzee’s technical ability is undisputed, yet his lack of aggression and efficiency in front of goal have cost him opportunities. His struggles were amplified by United’s turbulent form last season and the pressure surrounding every performance, making it difficult for him to recover lost confidence.
Despite being on the fringes, Zirkzee has remained professional, continuing to train and maintain a positive presence in the dressing room. After United’s recent 2-1 win over Liverpool, he was seen celebrating enthusiastically with teammates, even putting Bruno Fernandes in a playful headlock. However, while fans admired his attitude, sources close to the player insist that the forward knows he must move on if he is to salvage his international ambitions and reignite his club career.
World Cup worries
Zirkzee’s situation has been further complicated by his omission from Ronald Koeman’s recent Netherlands squads. The Dutch national team manager openly criticised the striker’s performances, stating that he was not currently “good enough” to be considered for selection. Koeman specifically highlighted issues with Zirkzee’s decision-making and awareness, saying: “He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment. Scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong.”
Koeman’s comments underline the urgent need for Zirkzee to secure consistent playing time ahead of next year’s World Cup, should the Netherlands qualify. The forward believes that remaining on United’s bench will only further damage his prospects of making the squad. A move to West Ham could provide the platform he needs to rebuild his form, especially given the club’s lack of reliable goal scorers.
GettyWhat comes next?
Manchester United are expected to listen to offers for Zirkzee once the January window opens. While Amorim appreciates his professionalism, he has prioritised other attacking profiles more suited to his tactical setup. The Red Devils are reportedly open to both permanent and loan exits, depending on the terms of any offer that arrives.
For West Ham, the deal presents an opportunity to revitalise their faltering frontline and secure a striker with proven experience in top European leagues. Early discussions suggest the Hammers could propose an initial loan with an option to buy, giving Zirkzee the chance to prove himself in a less pressurised environment. Sources indicate that personal terms are unlikely to be a major issue, as the Dutchman is eager to play regular football again.