Joshua Zirkzee wants to compete fiercely for his role in the World Cup 2026! | OneFootball

Joshua Zirkzee - getty images

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Joshua Zirkzee finds himself at a critical career crossroads. The Dutch-Nigerian striker's primary mission is clear: secure significant playing time to solidify his place in the national team setup. This urgent objective is pushing him towards a swift exit from Old Trafford when the January transfer window opens.

While a departure from Manchester United seems inevitable, the 24-year-old is not expected to leave England. Instead, he finds himself at the center of a domestic tug-of-war, with three Premier League clubs vying for his signature in a bid to offer him the platform he needs.

West Ham United have already taken concrete steps, making initial inquiries to understand the financial framework of a deal. Brighton & Hove Albion presents another intriguing option, though the competition for his position at the club is notably fierce. Perhaps the most fitting destination could be Aston Villa, who view him as an excellent rotational option, where his specific profile and experience would likely guarantee a valuable number of minutes on the pitch.

The native of Schiedam, whose contract with the Red Devils runs until 2029, has been limited to just five appearances across all competitions this season. As a player valued at €30 million, the quest for regular football is now the driving force behind his impending decision.