Manchester United: Joshua Zirkzee eyes January exit in bid to secure World Cup call-up | OneFootball

The Dutchman has not appeared for his national side since November of last year

Joshua Zirkzee is hoping to leave Manchester United in January as he looks to secure a place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

He has tumbled down the pecking order despite playing a consistent role last season. He is yet to start a match this campaign, playing just 116 minutes between four cameo appearances and coming up goalless.

His situation has not been helped by Benjamin Sesko’s arrival, either, as the Slovenia international starts to find form at Old Trafford.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Zirkzee is now looking to leave the club in January in the hopes of finding fresh form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Out of favour: Joshua Zirkzee

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Napoli showed concrete interest in signing Zirkzee over the summer, and the player was reportedly offered as a makeweight in negotiations for Victor Osimhen, but a deal did not materialise. Antonio Conte’s side ended up adding another United striker in Rasmus Hojlund on loan with an obligation to buy.

Juventus and PSV Eindhoven were also in the running for his signature.

Zirkzee has just six international caps to his name, and only one goal. He last represented the Netherlands in November 2024, failing to score in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He was a late addition to the Euro 2024 squad after Brian Brobbey was injured, going on to make two appearances.

The Netherlands are making steady progress in their World Cup qualification campaign and sit top of their group with a game in hand.