Could Ruben Amorim and David Moyes agree a swap deal in the January transfer window? | National World / Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Could Ruben Amorim and David Moyes agree a swap deal in the January transfer window? | National World / Getty Images | National World / Getty Images
Could Ruben Amorim and David Moyes agree a swap deal in the January transfer window?
Everton’s strong form under Moyes raises questions over how good they could be if they didn’t have two of the five most wasteful strikers in the Premier League as their options to lead the line, with Beto one of the most out-of-form finishers in the top flight so far in 2025/26.
It’s easy to forget now, but in the two seasons where he played over 1,000 minutes prior to moving to Old Trafford, Joshua Zirkzee averaged around a goal every two full games and he scored two more than his expected goals (xG) in his last Serie A campaign.
Everton the perfect place for Zirkzee to resurrect career
Then-sporting director at Manchester United, Dan Ashworth, was effusive after signing Zirkzee in 2024, saying in a statement: "Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer. We are delighted that we’ve managed to sign a player of Joshua’s calibre this early in the transfer window.
"Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United. His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond.”
Since then he’s recorded seven goals and three assists in 54 games, or £3.7 million per goal contribution, and has played only 90 minutes this season - 77 of them coming before the September international break and remains far off world-class.
However, Zirkzee’s potential remains and he boasts a versatility to adapt to whatever Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye dictate in build-up play. And David Moyes has proven his ability to rebuild players, with Zirkzee’s career in Manchester undoubtedly stunted by the departure of the manager who’d signed him just months after the transfer.
Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund have all shown how a player can flourish despite struggling at Old Trafford while Anthony Elanga has done it in the Premier League after recording eight goal contributions in 55 games for The Red Devils.
It’s certainly not a slam-dunk move but certainly has the potential to look like a masterclass in 12 months.
Aznou has all the tools to succeed in Amorim’s system
Aznou only signed on Merseyside in the summer for €12m (£10.6m), but he’s yet to make a senior appearance for the Toffees. Instead, he’s played two EFL Trophy games (conceding seven goals in the process) despite Everton’s injury troubles at the back and is yet to add to his three caps for Morocco.
While back-to-back moves for a player are rare, they’re not unheard of. Another full-back, Pascal Chimbonda once changed clubs in three consecutive transfer window and given Aznou’s very limited game time, the conditions are ripe for this blue moon event.
Of course, there’s a reason Everton shelled out that eight figures for him, as he was electric for loan side Raya Valladolid, who otherwise offered very little as they finished bottom of the table.
Less than two per cent of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues had more successful take-ons in the last year and he ranked in the top 10% for shot-creating actions after beating a defender.
Meanwhile he was one of the very best on the continent for tackles won - especially in his own defensive third - for blocks and for aerials won despite standing at well below six feet tall.
Aznou certainly has to work on his end product - while he was in an anaemic Raya Valladolid side who only scored 26 goals in all competitions, he produced 0.3 expected assists and the same xG.
However, if given time to develop he has both the attacking and defensive attributes to be the prototypical Amorim left-back and he’s one that The Red Devils should certainly consider taking a chance on.
Everton could make a tidy profit of up to £5m by flipping him in January, while Zirkzee has a reported price tag of £30m. This seems pretty optimistic given how badly the Dutchman has flopped at Old Trafford but if Everton offer Aznou and around £15m, it would be a tough offer to turn down.
Manchester United would receive a potential future superstar on the flank plus cash while The Toffees might finally cure their goalscoring woes if Moyes can coax the best out of the 24-year-old, in what could be a deal that benefits all parties.
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