The prospect of missing out on the World Cup means Joshua Zirkzee has decided he needs to move on from Manchester United, sources close to the player have confirmed to TBR Football.
Joshua Zirkzee has battled for his United career and made a breakthrough last season, often selected ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
Despite winning over Ruben Amorim, the summer signings of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have seen him sink further down the pecking order.
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Whilst in theory he would be happy to fight for his place, Zirkzee has learnt that his international future is in doubt and with the World Cup just over six months away, that is a huge concern.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has told Zirkzee that he needs to be playing to be under consideration, and he is a player that he would like to use, having handed him his debut last year.
Joshua Zirkzee arrives at Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United's Premier League match against Sunderland
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Exclusive: Joshua Zirkzee has interest from across Europe
Sources with knowledge of the situation have now confirmed to TBR Football that Zirkzee will look to leave Manchester United in January.
Our chief correspondent Graeme Bailey said: “I am told that Zirkzee has had conversations with United and they are aware of his situation, he wants to go to the World Cup finals, but he won’t given the current status quo.
“That means a move, and that will be worked out before January.”
Whether it is a loan or a permanent deal remains to be seen, but we understand a number of clubs are being spoken to.
There is some interest in the Premier League, but we believe he is most likely to return to Europe with interest in Italy, Germany and his native Holland.
United spent £36.5million to sign him from Bologna in the summer of 2024, and his contract runs down in 2029. The club can also extend his deal by a further 12 months.
How Joshua Zirkzee has fared at Man United
Zirkzee played regularly under Erik ten Hag and Amorim last season, making 32 appearances in the Premier League and 49 across all competitions.
The striker scored just three top-flight goals, but looked to have finally found his feet before picking up a hamstring injury against Newcastle United in April.
This campaign has been bleak, however, with Zirkzee having made just three cameos off the bench in the league. He also did not start in the Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby.
United may be able to command a respectable fee in light of his contract situation, but they could be tempted to allow him to leave on loan to take their time over a decision on his long-term future.