Joshua Zirkzee Eyes January Exit To Save Netherlands World Cup Dream

Reports in England say Joshua Zirkzee is increasingly open to a January move away from Manchester United to revive his Netherlands prospects for next summer in North America. The line originated in the Mail and has been echoed by multiple outlets today, with the Evening Standard summarising that a mid-season switch is seen as crucial for him to make Ronald Koeman’s World Cup squad. 

Why A January Switch Matters

Ronald Koeman’s approach has been consistent for years. Regular minutes at the club level matter when he selects his forwards. The October window underlined the point. 

The Netherlands went into the qualifiers against Malta and Finland while juggling injuries and late arrivals, yet Zirkzee did not make the cut. Donyell Malen is set to lead the line, with the Oranje sitting top of their qualifying group by goal difference. 

Koeman and his staff have not been shy about nudging players who are short of minutes to consider new situations. Recent public comments around other Dutch internationals reinforce the theme that playing time is a selection filter as the World Cup draws closer. 

Zirkzee’s form at club level last season earned him patience, yet the early weeks of this campaign have offered little rhythm. Numbers back up that reality. He has only brief cameos so far in the league this season after a deeper role last term, which explains the urgency around January. 

What Went Wrong At United This Season

The context at Old Trafford has changed quickly. Manchester United rebuilt their forward line in the summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Those signings arrived with big fees and a clear mandate to start. 

The depth chart has shifted accordingly. Rasmus Hojlund departed on loan to Napoli at the end of the window, which removed one competitor but did not open up a starting berth for Zirkzee once Sesko settled and Mbeumo slotted into the front line. United’s own updates and mainstream reporting confirm the Hojlund loan, the spending on attackers, and the expectation that Sesko will be the first choice through the autumn. 

Zirkzee’s minutes tell a simple story. He logged meaningful time across competitions last season, then started this campaign with only brief appearances off the bench. 

Public databases list three league goals across his Premier League career with United, and only a handful of minutes so far in the new season. That output is not a verdict on his ability, yet it is a problem in a World Cup year when the national team manager prizes rhythm and sharpness. 

Internal competition remains fierce. Sesko’s arrival added a tall, mobile nine who fits Ruben Amorim’s pressing triggers. At the same time, Cunha offers link play between the lines, and Mbeumo brings direct runs and a reliable final ball. Each of those profiles overlaps with things Zirkzee can do, only with recent minutes leaning toward the newer arrivals. The dynamic explains why the idea of a move has gathered pace in the last week. 

Where Could He Go In January

Interest is not in short supply. Reports in Italy and England have linked Juventus and Como with renewed moves once the window opens, while Premier League clubs such as West Ham and Everton are monitoring the situation. 

Como’s project under Cesc Fabregas has been especially ambitious, and a focal forward comfortable in combination play would fit their possession plan. 

The attraction for Juventus is obvious. A forward with size who can receive to feet, ride contact and release runners gives flexibility in a front two or as a nine with shadow runners. The key will be structure. Zirkzee thrives when he can

 drop off the line, connect the first pass, and then arrive late in the box. Any buyer will want to show a clear path that starts from January through May rather than a crowded rotation spot that recreates his current challenge. 

A return to Serie A would feel familiar after his Bologna rise, yet a Premier League stay cannot be ruled out. United may prefer a domestic loan with a recall clause for injury cover, whereas continental suitors might push for an option to buy that the selling club can live with. The reporting consensus so far is that multiple avenues will be open. 

What It Means For United And For The Orange