Joshua Zirkzee: What Manchester United are willing to accept to let Dutch striker leave this january | OneFootball

An intriguing report surfaced recently suggesting that Joshua Zirkzee is keen to remain at Manchester United.

The Dutch striker is said to believe he can still fight for his place and cement his role in United head coach Ruben Amorim’s project at Old Trafford.

A tough start

The opening three months of the campaign proved difficult for Zirkzee, as he was largely overlooked and struggled to make an impact.

Change in fortunes

However, fortunes shifted after the November international break. Zirkzee went on to start three consecutive fixtures and featured in two more of the five games played since the restart.

One could argue that he now appears primed to seize his opportunities, giving him a chance to turn his fortunes around at M16.

Yet, despite his determination to succeed at United, speculation over his future persists.

Transfer links continue

AS Roma have been strongly linked with his signature, while West Ham United and Leeds United are also reported to be keen.

With the January window fast approaching, anything could happen. Zirkzee, whom United signed for £36.5 million in 2024, may yet receive an irresistible offer, and one of his suitors could push hard to secure his services.

What it would take for Zirkzee to leave

According to Dean Jones via Teamtalk, if a club is serious about prising the ex‑Bologna forward away from United, INEOS will insist it happens on their terms.

First, Zirkzee would have to request a move himself. Should that happen, Jones reveals:

“We understand that United rate Zirkzee in the €35‑40m (£30.6‑£35m, $40.7‑$46.5m) bracket – and the club would, ideally, prefer a cash sale.”

Jones adds that if a buying club is unwilling to meet those demands, INEOS could compromise by accepting a loan with an obligation to buy.

Such revelations make the Zirkzee situation particularly compelling. His future may ultimately rest in his own hands.

Will he ask to leave or not? And if he does, which club will win the race and what deal will be struck?

Chance to sort his Old Trafford fate

For now, all eyes are on whether Zirkzee can secure the key role many predicted for him this period when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo depart for AFCON. Their absence will deplete United’s attacking options, and Zirkzee’s versatility should prove invaluable. Amorim may have little choice but to use him more regularly.

That decision could have a decisive impact on where Zirkzee plays for the remainder of the 2025‑26 season.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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