The transfer value of Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has suffered a dramatic collapse, falling by nearly half since his arrival at Old Trafford just 18 months ago.
A Staggering Decline in Market Value
Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee has seen his market valuation plummet from £44 million to approximately £25 million, a decrease of around 45%, during his time with the Red Devils. This sharp decline comes after the 24-year-old managed just seven goals in 54 appearances for the club, failing to secure a regular starting position.
This season has been particularly bleak for Zirkzee, who has been limited to just five substitute appearances under manager Ruben Amorim. With playing time increasingly scarce, a January departure from Manchester is now looking inevitable, most likely beginning with a loan move.
Everton Emerge as Front-Runners for Signature
West Ham United had previously expressed interest in taking the striker on loan, but Everton have now moved ahead in the race for his signature. The Toffees, who face United on Monday, are actively seeking to bolster their attacking options.
Manager David Moyes reportedly sees Zirkzee as a player who offers a different profile to his current striking options, Beto and Thierno Barry. Everton are also being linked with Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney, indicating their intent to add depth to their frontline.
When questioned about the potential January exits of Zirkzee and fellow squad member Kobbie Mainoo, United boss Ruben Amorim was typically guarded. "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.
Tactical Shifts and World Cup Dreams in Jeopardy
Zirkzee was originally signed from Bologna for £36.5 million on the recommendation of former manager Erik ten Hag. He was initially intended as backup for Rasmus Hojlund, with his ability to link play and operate between the lines offering a different dynamic.
However, Ten Hag's dismissal and the subsequent appointment of Amorim led to a tactical overhaul. Amorim's system confined Zirkzee to a central striker role, and the subsequent £74 million arrival of Benjamin Sesko pushed him further down the pecking order. The additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have only intensified competition for attacking places.
This lack of game time at club level has severely damaged Zirkzee's hopes of representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch national team secured their qualification without his involvement, and he hasn't featured for his country since 2024. A January move is now crucial if he is to convince manager Ronald Koeman he deserves a spot in the squad.
