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An intriguing report recently emerged suggesting that Joshua Zirkzee is keen to stay at Manchester United.
The Dutch forward is said to believe he can still fight for his place and cement his role in United head coach Ruben Amorim’s project at Old Trafford.
A difficult start
The first three months of the campaign proved difficult for Zirkzee as he was largely overlooked and struggled to make an impression.
Change in fortunes
However, fortunes changed after the November international break. Zirkzee started three consecutive games and played in two more of the five games played since the restart.
You could argue that he now seems ready to take his chances, giving him the chance to change his fortunes at M16.
But despite his determination to succeed at United, speculation about his future continues.
The transfer links continue
AS Roma have been strongly linked with his signature, while West Ham United and Leeds United are also said to be interested.
With January fast approaching, anything can happen. Zirkzee, who United signed for £36.5million in 2024, may yet receive an irresistible offer and one of his suitors could be pushing hard to secure his services.
What it would take for Zirkzee to leave
According to Dean Jones via Team conversationIf any club is serious about signing United’s ex-Bologna striker, INEOS will insist it is done on their terms.
First, Zirkzee would have to request a move himself. Should that happen, Jones reveals:
“We understand that United values Zirkzee in the €35-40m (£30.6-£35m, $40.7-$46.5m) range – and the club would ideally prefer a cash sale.”
Jones adds that if a buying club does not want to meet these requirements, INEOS could compromise by accepting a loan with a purchase obligation.
Such revelations make the situation in Zirkzee particularly compelling. His future may ultimately be in his own hands.
Will he ask to leave or not? And if he does, which club will win the race and what deal will be made?
Chance to decide his fate at Old Trafford
For now, all eyes are on whether Zirkzee can secure the key role that many predicted for him this term when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo head to AFCON. Their absence will deplete United’s attacking options, and Zirkzee’s versatility should be invaluable. Amorim may have little choice but to use it more regularly.
That decision could have a decisive impact on where Zirkzee plays for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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