Man Utd striker Joshua Zirkzee 'actively exploring' January transfer away

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • 31 Oct 2025 14:09 CDT
  • 3 min read
Joshua Zirkzee, Man Utd, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is 'actively exploring' his January options, a reliable journalist has confirmed.

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The Netherlands international's hopes of making Ronald Koeman's squad for the 2026 World Cup are hanging by a thread after making just five appearances under Ruben Amorim so far this season.

Zirkzee has played a total of just 90 minutes this term, which has naturally seen him plummet out of Koeman's reckoning in recent international windows.

Reports that Zirkzee is looking to leave in January have proliferated in recent weeks, and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has now confirmed that the 24-year-old is 'actively exploring' his options.

Zirkzee is not yet pushing for a permanent exit from Old Trafford, but he is open to a loan in a bid to get regular minutes under his belt ahead of the World Cup.

Who will sign Zirkzee?

As things stand, a return to Serie A is likely but not guaranteed. Italian clubs have been persistently linked with the Dutchman pretty much ever since he left Bologna for Man Utd.

At the time, AC Milan attempted to sign him, but the deal collapsed due to the player's agent allegedly demanding an absurd commission. Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Thursday that the Rossoneri remain interested but that Zirkzee would have to make the first move.

Joshua Zirkzee
© IMAGO - Joshua Zirkzee

A more concrete option appears to be AS Roma. They have been heavily linked with him in recent weeks, but uncertainty over their financial situation makes it difficult to predict if they will indeed make a move for him.

Roma are likely facing a hefty fine for breaching UEFA's spending rules, so they will be careful in January. However, Jacobs reports that the capital club are a realistic destination for Zirkzee because Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson could be sent back to England. Contact has been made.

Additionally, the journalist has confirmed that West Ham are interested in Zirkzee, who is open to staying in the Premier League. Dutch giants PSV are also monitoring the situation.

Zirkzee will hold formal talks with Man Utd over his future next month, but there is no guarantee that they will allow him to leave. Jacobs posits that the Red Devils could block his move if they fail to land a striker in January and don't get full wage coverage from his new club.

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