Key Points
- Joshua Zirkzee’s camp remains hopeful for a move away from Manchester United before the January 2026 transfer window closes, following interest from Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur.
- Sources reveal Tottenham and Crystal Palace have made enquiries about Zirkzee’s availability, though Manchester United’s interim boss Michael Carrick’s stance could thwart plans.
- Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna for £36.5m in summer 2024 under sporting director Dan Ashworth, one of only five signings in his short tenure.
- The 24-year-old Dutch striker has struggled at Old Trafford, managing nine goals and four assists in 65 appearances, often relegated to a fringe role due to inconsistent scoring and limited creativity.
- Zirkzee is eager to secure first-team football to boost his chances of a Netherlands World Cup squad place under Ronald Koeman.
- Manchester United have resisted exits throughout January to avoid weakening the squad, but Zirkzee’s minor muscle injury has kept him out under Carrick, with the team’s strong form without him shifting dynamics.
- Sources close to Zirkzee believe United may soften their stance in the window’s final days; he could return for the Fulham clash.
- Roma and Juventus have also enquired, with Roma as long-term admirers continuing to push.
- Crystal Palace monitor amid potential loss of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has agreed personal terms with Nottingham Forest.
- Tottenham seek to bolster attacking options in the window’s last week.
- United hold firm for now, but Zirkzee’s desire for minutes and circling clubs could prompt movement.
Manchester (Manchester Mirror) January 30, 2026 – Joshua Zirkzee’s representatives at Manchester United remain optimistic about a departure before the transfer window shuts, as Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have lodged shock enquiries for the discontented striker desperate to leave Old Trafford. The 24-year-old Dutch forward, who arrived in a £36.5m deal from Bologna in summer 2024, has failed to convince amid nine goals and four assists from 65 outings, pushing him towards the fringes. Despite United’s reluctance under interim manager Michael Carrick, sources indicate his ongoing absence and the team’s form may open doors.
Who Is Joshua Zirkzee and Why Is He Pushing for a Move?
Joshua Zirkzee, the 24-year-old Netherlands international, transferred to Manchester United from Bologna for £36.5m in the summer of 2024. This was one of just five players signed during Dan Ashworth’s brief stint as sporting director. As detailed in the original reporting, the move “has never truly worked out,” with Zirkzee showing “flashes of his brilliance” but struggling to score regularly or adapt deeper creatively, rendering him a fringe player.
Zirkzee has notched nine goals and four assists across 65 appearances, a tally that accurately mirrors his underwhelming impact at Old Trafford. Now, with ambitions fixed on regular football to force his way into Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands World Cup squad, he is mounting “one final push” to depart this month. Sources close to the player note his determination “to play regular football in the second half of the season,” as consistent minutes prove crucial for international selection.
Which Clubs Have Enquired About Zirkzee’s Availability?
Interest in Zirkzee “remains strong,” with multiple suitors circling. TEAMtalk exclusively revealed that Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace “have both asked about Zirkzee’s availability should United decide to open the door to a late move.” Both London clubs are “monitoring developments closely and are prepared to act quickly if the situation changes.”
Roma, described as “long-term admirers,” continue to push aggressively. Juventus have also made enquiries as they scout attacking reinforcements. “Both clubs [Tottenham and Crystal Palace] are in the market for a new striker in the last week of the window,” underscoring their proactive stance.
What Is Crystal Palace’s Motivation Amid Mateta Rumours?
Crystal Palace, nicknamed the Eagles, face potential disruption with Jean-Philippe Mateta likely departing. Reporting confirms the Frenchman “has agreed personal terms over a move to Nottingham Forest,” prompting Palace to eye Zirkzee as cover. This aligns with their need for forward depth in the window’s dying embers.
Why Might Tottenham Hotspur Pursue Zirkzee?
Tottenham, or Spurs, aim to “bolster their attacking options over the final days of the window.” The north Londoners’ enquiry reflects broader ambitions to strengthen up top, positioning Zirkzee as a viable option should United relent. Sources emphasise Spurs’ readiness to pounce.
How Has Zirkzee’s Injury Affected Transfer Dynamics?
Zirkzee “has not featured under interim boss Michael Carrick due to a minor muscle issue,” though he is “expected to be available again very soon – potentially in time for the weekend clash with Fulham.” Crucially, United’s “strong form without him has shifted the dynamic,” fuelling hope among his camp that the club may “soften their stance in the final days.” This injury absence has inadvertently heightened speculation.
What Is Manchester United’s Stance on Zirkzee’s Exit?
United “have maintained throughout January that they do not want to weaken their squad and have been reluctant to sanction any exit.” For now, the Red Devils “are holding firm,” prioritising depth. Yet, with Zirkzee “increasingly eager” and “multiple clubs circling,” the “final week of the window could yet bring movement,” as sources suggest.
Could Michael Carrick Block a Zirkzee Transfer?
Michael Carrick’s position looms large, with his “stance could yet thwart both sides’ plans.” As interim boss, Carrick oversees a side in robust form sans Zirkzee, potentially influencing United’s intransigence. No direct quote from Carrick appears in reports, but his role in squad selection underscores the hurdle.
What Are Zirkzee’s Broader Career Ambitions?
Beyond club level, Zirkzee eyes the Netherlands’ World Cup plans under Ronald Koeman. “Aware that consistent minutes will be crucial,” he prioritises first-team action. His Bologna exploits hinted at greater potential, now stifled at Old Trafford.
How Does This Fit Into United’s Wider Transfer Picture?
Amid Zirkzee chatter, United harbour “renewed confidence” in securing a “huge signing this summer” at a lower price, per TEAMtalk, alongside another Premier League star. This forward-looking optimism contrasts January’s caution.
What About Tottenham’s Parallel Transfer Activity?
At Tottenham, a “trusted reporter has confirmed Tottenham and West Ham are in the final stretch for a surprise loan transfer” – a deal “brutally savaged” by a Spurs outlet. This goalkeeper move to West Ham highlights Spurs’ active window.
Crystal Palace’s Mateta Exit: Confirmed Details?
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s “agreed personal terms” with Nottingham Forest pave the way for Palace’s striker hunt. TEAMtalk confirms this, noting the “coming days” as pivotal, directly linking to Zirkzee’s interest.
What Happens in the Final Week of the Window?
United’s firmness persists, but Zirkzee’s resolve and suitors like Tottenham, Palace, Roma, and Juventus create tension. “Sources close to the player believe this has given Zirkzee renewed hope,” positioning the window’s close as make-or-break. No deal is imminent, yet dynamics favour flux.
In neutral assessment, Zirkzee’s Old Trafford tenure teeters on this saga’s outcome. Manchester United balance squad integrity against player unrest, while pursuers weigh risks. As January 2026 wanes, all eyes fix on Old Trafford.
