West Ham face competition for Manchester United forward | OneFootball

Zirkzee’s Struggles Continue at Old Trafford

Zirkzee arrived from Bologna for £34 million during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, carrying the promise of youthful flair and technical intelligence. Yet his time in Manchester has not gone as planned. The Dutch forward has struggled to adapt to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, scoring only seven goals in 49 appearances last season and featuring just four times in the current campaign.

Ruben Amorim, who succeeded Ten Hag, has made his tactical preferences clear. With Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha the preferred options through the middle, Zirkzee finds himself on the fringes. The Portuguese manager values versatility in attack, using Cunha’s mobility and Mason Mount’s creative positioning to great effect—leaving little room for Zirkzee’s inclusion.

West Ham Enter the Frame

New West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo is believed, according to The Mirror, to be exploring a loan move for Zirkzee as part of his January rebuilding plans. The Hammers’ forward line has struggled for consistency, and Nuno is eager to add both depth and technical quality. Zirkzee’s ability to link play and drop between lines could provide a valuable alternative to the more direct approach that has characterised West Ham’s attack in recent months.

While a loan move would likely include an option to buy, sources suggest that West Ham are also wary of Zirkzee’s form and confidence levels. Nonetheless, his potential and international pedigree make him an appealing short-term gamble for a side eager to climb back into the top half of the Premier League table.

Sevilla’s La Liga Lifeline

Meanwhile, Sevilla are closely monitoring developments in Manchester. New manager Matías Almeyda is reportedly keen to add Zirkzee to his squad as part of a mid-season refresh. The Spanish club, who have endured a stuttering start to their domestic campaign, believe the forward’s technical style and link-up play are better suited to La Liga.

Almeyda’s view is that Zirkzee’s combination of flair and composure could thrive in a system that values possession and movement. With Sevilla in need of a reliable finisher to complement their creative midfielders, the 24-year-old is seen as an attainable and realistic target.

World Cup Ambition Driving Decision

Zirkzee’s motivation to secure a move is not purely about playing time at club level. With the Netherlands preparing for next summer’s World Cup, he knows regular football is essential if he is to force his way into Ronald Koeman’s plans. His limited minutes at United have already damaged those prospects, and remaining on the bench beyond January would likely end any realistic hope of selection.

Manchester United, for their part, are open to offers. Amorim is expected to sanction Zirkzee’s departure provided a suitable deal can be reached, freeing up both wages and squad space as he continues to reshape his forward options.

Whether Zirkzee’s next destination lies in East London or southern Spain, his upcoming decision could define the trajectory of his career. After two difficult years in England, the January window represents a pivotal opportunity for revival.