A Manchester United star who has barely got a look in under Ruben Amorim this season has seen his market value plummet in the last few months
Amorim is set to take a transfer hit
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Joshua Zirkzee's market value has nosedived since joining Manchester United, dropping from £44million to approximately £25m in merely 18 months.
The Dutch striker has failed to establish himself at Old Trafford, netting just seven goals in 54 games. This season, he has appeared only five times - all as a substitute - making a January departure increasingly likely.
He's expected to leave on loan though it's believed United are willing to sell the 24-year-old, provided the valuation is acceptable. West Ham were initially linked with a temporary switch but Everton - who face United on Monday - now look to be favourites for his signature.
The Toffees, who are also linked with Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, are pursuing additional attacking options and David Moyes is believed to regard Zirkzee as a player who offers a contrasting style to existing choices Beto and Thierno Barry.
When questioned about the potential for Zirkzee and fellow outcast Kobbie Mainoo departing in January, United boss Ruben Amorim revealed little, playing his cards close to his chest. "That [the speculation] is normal and I also know that in our club, everything is a lot of noise, and you have to have news, and players are not playing," he said.
"They want to play. Like you said, there's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. So, I understand that but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season."
Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee looks set to leave United in January
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United signed Zirkzee from Bologna for £36.5m, a move recommended by Erik ten Hag, who was subsequently sacked just a few months later.
Originally, Zirkzee was brought in to provide backup for first-choice striker Rasmus Hojlund. His ability to link up play and operate between the lines also offered United a different dynamic in the final third, with the Dutchman able to play off the No. 9 as well as lead the line himself.
However, Ten Hag's successor, Amorim, swiftly introduced a new tactical strategy that restricted Zirkzee to the role of central striker. Given Hojlund's dip in form, Zirkzee saw plenty of game time last season, but this campaign has been markedly different.
The £74m signing of Benjamin Sesko pushed him further down the attacking hierarchy, while the acquisitions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha - both now firmly established as inside forwards - have only intensified competition for attacking positions.
Ruben Amorim and Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee has barely featured under Amorim this season
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This diminished role has not only impacted his market value but also put his chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad in serious doubt. The Netherlands confirmed their spot on Monday with a 4-0 victory over Lithuania - a match in which Zirkzee played no part.
Indeed, the striker hasn't represented his country since 2024 and he now faces a steep challenge to persuade manager Ronald Koeman that he merits a place in next summer's squad.
To have any hope, he requires regular playing time - and with that seeming increasingly doubtful at Old Trafford, a January departure will likely be his top priority. Whether United are prepared to allow this, however, is yet to be seen.