Joshua Zirkzee Caught in Manchester United Limbo as Club Seek Summer Exit | OneFootball

By Paddy Keogh · July 18, 2026

Joshua Zirkzee finds himself caught in an increasingly awkward position at Manchester United. The striker is determined to prove that he can still succeed at Old Trafford, but the club appear ready to sell him as they continue reshaping their attacking options.

United consider Zirkzee surplus to requirements, yet a transfer has not been straightforward. There is interest from clubs in Turkey and Italy, including reported attention from Fenerbahçe, but United do not want to accept a deal that would leave them recording a significant financial loss.

Loan proposals have also been discussed, although the club would prefer a permanent solution. As a result, Zirkzee remains at Manchester United despite neither the player nor the club having complete clarity over what comes next.

Joshua Zirkzee Wants to Prove Himself at Manchester United

Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United career has not developed as he would have hoped. He arrived with a reputation as a technically gifted forward capable of linking play, dropping into deeper positions and creating opportunities for teammates.

However, he has struggled to consistently impose himself in English football. His lack of goals has been a major concern, while questions have also been raised over whether he possesses the physical intensity required to lead the line for Manchester United.

There have been occasional glimpses of his ability. Zirkzee is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and can combine intelligently with attacking midfielders and wide players. His style is different from that of a traditional penalty-box striker, but United have not seen enough decisive contributions.

Despite his difficult spell, Zirkzee does not appear ready to give up. The Dutch forward reportedly wants another opportunity to prove himself and demonstrate that his struggles do not have to define his time at Old Trafford. He is considered a positive character and well liked by staff and team mates, and won’t push for a move if it doesn’t suit him.

That ambition has placed him at odds with the club’s transfer plans. Zirkzee wants the chance to rebuild his reputation, but Manchester United appear willing to move him on if a suitable offer arrives.

Manchester United Consider Zirkzee Surplus to Requirements

United’s plans for their attack have left Zirkzee facing an uncertain role. Benjamin Sesko is expected to be treated as the club’s leading central striker, while United had also been interested in signing a more experienced forward to provide support and competition.

The club wanted a proven striker who could act as a reliable backup to Sesko. Such a player would ideally offer experience, leadership and a consistent goalscoring presence when the first-choice forward was unavailable or required rest.

Zirkzee does not completely fit that description. He is still trying to establish himself, and his game is based more on technical combinations than consistently attacking the penalty area. United may therefore feel that he does not offer the type of alternative they want alongside Sesko.

This has resulted in Zirkzee being viewed as surplus to requirements. The club could use the money from his departure to strengthen other areas of the squad or pursue a forward who better matches the profile required by the manager.

However, United’s ability to sign another striker could depend on what happens with Marcus Rashford.

Rashford Uncertainty Could Change United’s Plans

Marcus Rashford’s future remains an important part of Manchester United’s summer transfer plans. The club had hoped that his departure would create additional space in the squad and reduce the wage bill, making it easier to complete further attacking signings.

A permanent exit now appears far from guaranteed. Should Rashford remain at Old Trafford, United may be unable or unwilling to add the experienced striker they originally wanted as support for Sesko.

That scenario could unexpectedly benefit Zirkzee. Even if the club still consider him available for transfer, they may decide to keep him if they cannot recruit another centre-forward.

United cannot afford to enter the season without sufficient attacking depth. Injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion would make it risky to rely on only one recognised striker, particularly if other forwards are better suited to playing from wide positions.

Zirkzee could therefore remain in the squad because of circumstance rather than because the club have fully changed their opinion of him. It would give him the opportunity he wants, but he would still need to produce quickly to convince United that he deserves a longer-term role.

Fenerbahçe and Serie A Clubs Show Interest

Fenerbahçe have been linked with a move for Zirkzee as they consider options to strengthen their attack. A transfer to Turkey could provide him with more regular football and a chance to rebuild his confidence away from the intense scrutiny surrounding Manchester United.

There is also interest from Italy, where Zirkzee previously produced some of the best football of his career. A return to Serie A may suit his playing style, as he would be operating in a familiar environment where his movement and link-up play are already well regarded.

Italian clubs may believe that Zirkzee’s struggles in England are not a true reflection of his ability. His previous performances in Serie A showed that he can be effective when playing in a system that takes advantage of his technical strengths.

However, interest has not yet resulted in an offer that satisfies Manchester United.

United Do Not Want to Sell Zirkzee at a Loss

The financial side of a potential transfer is one of the biggest reasons Zirkzee remains at Old Trafford. United may be willing to sell, but they do not want to accept a fee that would represent a major loss on their investment.

Zirkzee’s value has fallen since his move to England because of his inconsistent performances and limited goalscoring impact. Interested clubs are likely to use that difficult spell when negotiating a fee, while United will point to his age, potential and previous success in Italy.

The club must also consider the accounting impact of any deal. Selling Zirkzee for too little could force United to record a loss on their books, something they would prefer to avoid while managing their spending and attempting to comply with financial regulations.

As a result, United may choose to wait rather than accept an unsatisfactory offer.

Zirkzee Faces a Defining Period at Old Trafford

Zirkzee remains caught between his determination to succeed and Manchester United’s desire to sell. The club are open to an exit, interested teams are considering loan arrangements, and the striker continues to hope that he can prove himself.

His immediate future may depend on several factors beyond his control, including Rashford’s situation, United’s ability to recruit another striker and whether Fenerbahçe or an Italian club are prepared to meet the asking price.

If Zirkzee stays, he will need to take advantage of every opportunity. Strong performances and consistent goals could force United to reconsider their plans. If he struggles again, the belief that his transfer has failed will only become stronger.

For now, Joshua Zirkzee remains in Manchester United limbo. He is still at Old Trafford and still fighting for his place, but the club are waiting for an offer that will allow them to move on without accepting a damaging financial loss.