Joshua Zirkzee in action for Man Utd
(Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly heading to Everton, who are trying to put the deal over the line before the transfer deadline.
The Dutchman has become surplus to requirements under Michael Carrick, who left him on the bench in the first two games of the season, even though Benjamin Sesko wasn’t fit enough to start.
The 25-year-old was therefore considered available on the market, but amidst the lack of offers, he appeared destined to stay at the club. However, everything has changed in the blink of an eye.
Everton trying to sign Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee in action for Man Utd
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
With less than two hours separating us from the deadline, Everton emerged as an out-of-the-blue destination for the Netherlands international.
The Toffees sent Beto to Fiorentina, thinking they had already secured a replacement in UMSNT international Folarin Balogun.
However, the Monaco striker has failed his medical, prompting the Merseyside club to resort to Zirkzee.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Everton have indeed called Man Utd to enquire about the 25-year-old, while his close collaborator and fellow Italian journalist Matteo Moretto then went on to claim that the player is on his way to joining the Blues.
“Joshua Zirkzee is going to Everton,” posted Moretto on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Joshua Zirkzee se va al Everton.
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) September 1, 2026
Is this the end for Zirkzee & Man Utd?
Despite his lack of minutes and goals, Zirkzee is a popular figure at Stretford End, with the Old Trafford faithful often singing his name.
The Netherlands international is an unorthodox striker with an almost unique skill set, but he simply couldn’t convince Carrick, who placed him at the very bottom of his attacking pecking order.
Joshua Zirkzee looking dejected
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Many would argue that the striker could have offered so much more had he been paired with the right manager, but it simply wasn’t meant to be.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if this move will go over the line, and what the formula will be.
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