West Ham line up January swoop for Joshua Zirkzee amid limited minutes at Man United

West Ham United have moved decisively to position themselves for a January deal for Joshua Zirkzee, with the Manchester United forward open to exploring options if his minutes don’t improve. The Hammers view Zirkzee as a near-perfect tactical fit under Julen Lopetegui: a creative, press-ready No.9 who can drop in, link play and unleash runners like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. Italian interest remains alive, but West Ham believe the Premier League platform and guaranteed role could prove decisive. A loan with an option to buy is seen as the cleanest route within PSR limits, and talks are expected to accelerate early in the window.

London and Manchester transfer circles indicate West Ham have formally expressed interest in a January move for Joshua Zirkzee, while leading transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated the player is currently fighting for his place and could revisit his situation in January if minutes remain limited.

The approach comes as West Ham seek a creative centre-forward under Julen Lopetegui, and as Italian clubs that tracked Zirkzee before his move to Manchester United continue to monitor developments. The situation is fluid, with a loan-plus-option structure viewed as the most realistic pathway.

🚨 JUST IN: West Ham have expressed some interest in Joshua Zirkzee, who is also attracting interest from Italian clubs. For now he is fighting for his place, but he might look to leave in January if his playing time doesn't improve. [@FabrizioRomano]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

If completed, this deal could immediately recalibrate West Ham’s attack. Zirkzee’s hybrid 9/10 profile—press resistance, wall passes, disguised through-balls and a quick trigger in the box—fits seamlessly with Lopetegui’s 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 variations. He thrives receiving between lines, which complements Bowen’s diagonal runs and Kudus’ dynamic ball-carrying. In possession, he offers the back-to-goal presence West Ham have missed when Michail Antonio is unavailable, while out of possession he’s diligent enough to lead the first press and funnel opponents into traps.

Financially, a loan with an option to buy suits all parties. It allows West Ham to phase costs and protect PSR headroom, while Manchester United can preserve asset value and keep flexibility should Zirkzee explode on a temporary move. From a squad-building perspective, the Hammers would reduce overreliance on Bowen/Kudus for chance creation, adding a connector who also contributes goals.

For United, sanctioning a loan could ease the selection bottleneck around Rasmus Højlund and the wide forwards, without closing the door on Zirkzee long-term. Italian suitors remain a real threat—Serie A’s tempo and tactical structures have already showcased his strengths—but West Ham can counter with a guaranteed role, Premier League exposure, and a project trending upward under Lopetegui.

Reaction

Fan conversation has been swift and vocal across social platforms. One supporter distilled the tactical case succinctly: “Zirkzee would actually fit West Ham perfectly—creative, strong and not afraid to try things. If he stays benched much longer, it’s smart for him to move before his career stalls.” That sentiment reflects a growing belief that the Hammers can offer immediate responsibility and a system that elevates his toolbox.

Others debated the timing and squad dynamics, with one comment arguing he’ll “get game time when Amad ... head[s] to AFCON,” highlighting how fixture congestion and international absences can open doors—even if the specifics are contested. A handful of Manchester United fans countered that patience at Old Trafford could still pay off, citing competition as a catalyst for development.

Amid the chatter, a strand of optimism runs strong among West Ham supporters who see Zirkzee as the final piece to unlock Bowen and Kudus. There were also scattered, off-topic remarks reflecting the broader football news cycle, but the core thread is clear: Hammers fans are ready to roll out the welcome mat, while United fans are split between backing his breakthrough and accepting a smart loan that preserves long-term upside.

Social reactions

Zirkzee will get game time when Amad and Mbeumo head to AFCON

UWT (@UtdWrestlinTalk)

Zirkzee would actually fit West Ham perfectly creative strong and not afraid to try things. If he stays benched much longer it’s smart for him to move before his career stalls.

Clytheronix (@Clytheronix)

Ruben Amorim’s farewell speech for Sporting has been released. Wow ♥️

UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive)

Prediction

Expect West Ham to push for an early-January agreement structured as a loan with an option (or conditional obligation) to buy, covering a large portion of wages and inserting achievable performance triggers. The Hammers will sell a clear sporting plan: start as the focal point, dovetail with Bowen/Kudus, and become the reference for Lopetegui’s press-and-possess blueprint.

Manchester United, mindful of depth, will seek assurances on minutes and development conditions, plus a clause that maintains control if Zirkzee catches fire. Italian contenders—especially those who tracked him prior to his Premier League move—will probe for late openings, likely proposing similar loan-option packages with tactical guarantees.

Our base-case scenario: West Ham secure a loan by mid-window, fending off Serie A competition thanks to role clarity and Premier League exposure. A fast start in London would see the option activated before season’s end. Contingency: if United suffer an attacking injury cluster or Zirkzee surges in form before January, the deal could be delayed, but the strategic fit means this is one to watch right up to deadline week.

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Conclusion

All indicators point toward momentum: a club with a defined need, a player whose profile maps perfectly onto the manager’s system, and a market pathway that aligns with financial realities. West Ham’s proactive stance, combined with Zirkzee’s desire for consistent minutes, makes this more than routine rumor—it's a move with structural logic on both sporting and financial fronts.

For the Hammers, Zirkzee promises elasticity in buildup and incisiveness in the box, easing creative burdens and sharpening transitions. For Manchester United, a well-structured loan preserves value and buys time while their forward rotation settles. Italian interest keeps pressure on the timeline, but West Ham’s ability to guarantee a central role in the Premier League is a powerful draw.

Unless United’s internal dynamics shift dramatically, the January window looks primed for action. The smart money says West Ham will be at the front of the queue—and if they execute quickly, they may just land the most complementary No.9 on the market.