Manchester United are preparing to offload Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee during the January transfer window, with the club reportedly open to offers around £30 million. Meanwhile, INEOS and club officials are determined to retain young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, despite his limited minutes so far this season.
Zirkzee on the Market After Falling Down the Pecking Order
Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain just months after joining from Bologna for a fee of £36.5 million. The 22-year-old has made only four appearances this season, none of which were starts, as new attacking arrivals have pushed him further down the squad hierarchy under manager Ruben Amorim.
Last season, Zirkzee and fellow forward Rasmus Højlund came under heavy scrutiny after managing just seven Premier League goals between them. While Højlund secured a loan move to Napoli during the summer, Zirkzee stayed in Manchester hoping to impress the new regime. However, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko arriving for a combined fee of around £200 million, the Dutchman’s opportunities have been severely limited.
Premier League and Serie A Clubs Show Interest
Several clubs are monitoring Zirkzee’s situation ahead of the January window. Both Everton and West Ham have been linked with a potential move, while interest from Serie A could offer the striker a return to familiar territory.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United are willing to accept a bid in the region of £30 million — a figure that would allow them to recoup most of their initial investment. Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson commented on the potential deal, stating that Zirkzee remains a “sellable asset” despite his underwhelming performances.
“He’s been an okay player. He’s not been a complete disaster,” Borson told Football Insider. “At £30m, there are clubs like West Ham and Everton that could make that deal work—whether it’s a permanent move or a loan with an option.”
A Logical Move for United’s Reshaping Squad
From a financial standpoint, offloading Zirkzee would be a pragmatic decision. Borson noted that while United won’t turn a profit, the sale wouldn’t result in a major loss either.
“It’s just moving on a player who is outside of the core group going forward. That makes sense,” he added.
Zirkzee, who has ambitions of making the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup, could view a January move as crucial to reviving his international prospects.
INEOS Set to Block Any January Move for Mainoo
While United are open to moving Zirkzee, they are taking the opposite stance with midfield talent Kobbie Mainoo. Despite his limited game time, the club — led by INEOS sporting management — is reportedly determined to keep hold of the 19-year-old.
Mainoo, seen as a vital part of the club’s long-term midfield plans, remains a player United are unwilling to part with, even temporarily. Reports suggest the club will resist any approach in January as they continue to nurture his development under Amorim.
