Zirkzee signed from Bologna for £36.5 million last July. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Real Betis keen to replicate Antony coup as they target another Man Utd struggler – Report

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Michel Sakr | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 1:14 PM ET

Real Betis have reportedly identified Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a potential opportunity for the January transfer market.

The Andalusians had signed a struggling Man Utd star in the shape of Antony last winter. After a successful loan spell that witnessed the Brazilian’s revival, the two clubs were able to find an agreement on a permanent transfer last summer, albeit after months of one-and-off negotiations.

According to Fichajes, Betis would like to replicate the Antony coup by reuniting him with Zirkzee, while also using a similar strategy.

Real Betis enter the fray for Joshua Zirkzee

As the Spanish source tells it, the LaLiga side would be happy to bring the Dutchman on loan, even if it doesn’t include an option to buy. After all, this was the formula adopted in the initial Antony deal last January.

Betis already have decent attacking options among their ranks, mainly Cucho Hernández or Cédric Bakambu. Nevertheless, Zirkzee is versatile enough to play alongside any other forward.

Moreover, Manuel Pellegrini is said to be an admirer of the former Bologna star due to his elegant touch and deft technical skills.

Why Zirkzee could consider leaving Man United in January

This season, the Netherlands international has been struggling for playing time at Man United following the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

Zirkzee has been warned by his national team manager, Ronald Koeman, that he must play constantly to earn a spot in the World Cup squad. Therefore, he has been linked with a host of clubs as of late, including Roma and West Ham United.

Zirkzee’s playing time in EPL this season	Minutes
Arsenal	0
Fulham	0
Burnley	59
Manchester City	10
Chelsea	0
Brentford	5
Sunderland	0
Total	74

But while Fabrizio Romano revealed that Zirkzee doesn’t have the urge to leave Old Trafford just yet, his stance could change if his minutes don’t improve between now and January.

At this stage, discussing the striker’s departure might be premature, but it remains a situation that threatens to escalate in the coming weeks, especially if Ruben Amorim fails to properly address it.

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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