West Ham target January loan for Joshua Zirkzee as striker hunt intensifies

West Ham United are accelerating plans to add a striker in January and have identified Joshua Zirkzee as a leading target on a potential loan. Transfer insider Ben Jacobs indicates the Hammers’ interest is genuine, with a center-forward signing described as the club’s top priority. While formal talks have not started, a loan framework is viewed as attractive for West Ham, who want a link-forward to complement their wide threats. Manchester United, Zirkzee’s current club, will weigh squad depth before entertaining proposals. Expect early-window movement as West Ham explore structures that suit all parties and push to secure a decisive upgrade up front.

Amid planning for the January transfer window, respected transfer reporter Ben Jacobs outlined that West Ham’s pursuit of a striker is a clear priority and confirmed their concrete interest in Joshua Zirkzee on a loan arrangement. He added that discussions have not yet begun but suggested a loan is a scenario West Ham would be keen to explore. The London club’s recruitment team is evaluating options and structures, while Manchester United assess their mid-season needs before greenlighting any approach.

🚨🗣️ @JacobsBen on Zirkzee: "West Ham's interest is genuine, and I can guarantee that West Ham United will add a striker in January, it's their top priority... So a loan for Zirkzee would be something they would be very interested in. Talks haven’t yet started, but keep an eye

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

A January loan for Joshua Zirkzee would be a shrewd, low-risk, high-upside solution for West Ham. Julen Lopetegui’s side have increasingly leaned into a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 shape demanding a forward who can both connect play and finish moves. Zirkzee’s profile is tailor-made for that brief: he drops between the lines to knit combinations, protects the ball under pressure, and triggers the press with intelligent angles. Those traits would immediately elevate ball progression into the final third and unlock runners like Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen attacking the channels.

West Ham’s underlying numbers point to a need for better shot quality and sustained box occupation, areas where Zirkzee’s movement and lay-offs can create higher-probability chances. He thrives as a ‘9.5’, linking midfield and attack without sacrificing presence in the area. In a Lopetegui framework that values compact distances and quick vertical connections, his ability to receive on the half-turn and slip wide forwards could transform the Hammers’ tempo and variety in the build.

From Manchester United’s perspective, a straight loan would hinge on squad balance and minutes distribution. If United anticipate sufficient cover at No.9, a mid-season loan could maintain Zirkzee’s development curve without depreciating asset value. For West Ham, a loan with option or a carefully tiered package (wages, appearance thresholds, performance bonuses) would align with PSR discipline while delivering instant on-pitch impact. The net effect: a material upgrade that addresses West Ham’s most urgent tactical need.

Reaction

Early fan sentiment splits along club lines. Many Manchester United supporters argue firmly to keep Zirkzee, with responses like “Leave the boy. He bleeds red” echoing belief in his long-term value at Old Trafford. Another wry take from a United fan — “At least we have clubs interested in our players” — frames West Ham’s move as a backhanded compliment to United’s recruitment, suggesting the player’s stock remains high.

On the West Ham side, optimism is building around the idea of a technically gifted focal point who dovetails with Kudus and Bowen, addressing finishing and link-play issues. There is also typical transfer-window noise: one commenter claimed Zirkzee had submitted a transfer request, extrapolating toward a permanent sale rather than a loan. However, that assertion has not been substantiated by credible reporting and should be treated as speculation rather than fact.

Beyond the fan debate, there’s a pragmatic thread recognizing West Ham’s need for a reliable No.9 and the attractiveness of a loan structure mid-season. The outlier promotional comment in the replies highlights how quickly such conversations can be diluted, yet the core discussion remains focused: West Ham want a striker now, Zirkzee fits the profile, and a deal framework exists that could realistically bring him to London in January.

Social reactions

With Zirkzee handing in a transfer request it sounds like a sale will happen not a loan.

Jarle Malmin (@jarle_malm25785)

At least we have clubs interested in our players

TOLU (@Tolu_The_Red)

Leave the boy. He bleeds red

Chukwukadibia (@Pips_Papi)

Prediction

Expect West Ham to open lines of communication early in the window and test the waters on a straight loan, likely covering a substantial portion of wages with performance-related add-ons. A loan with option to buy — or a purchase option conditional on appearances and team outcomes — would appeal to the Hammers but might be resisted by Manchester United unless a buy-back or matching-right clause is included to protect upside.

Scenario A: If United’s forward line remains healthy and minutes are tight, a loan without obligation becomes the most probable outcome, enabling West Ham to immediately strengthen while United safeguard long-term control. Scenario B: If United suffer injuries or fixture congestion intensifies, the club may delay or block a move until late January, forcing West Ham to keep parallel targets warm. Scenario C: Should West Ham push for an option-to-buy, expect negotiations to hinge on valuation thresholds and future control mechanisms.

Timeline-wise, watch for discreet contact in the first 7–10 days of January, followed by accelerated talks if United signal openness. With West Ham prioritizing a striker, the club is well-positioned to move quickly. Overall probability: a loan to West Ham is a credible, high-likelihood path if United’s depth holds through early January.

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Conclusion

All indicators point to a West Ham side primed to act decisively. The need is urgent, the profile is precise, and the market path — a loan — is practical. Zirkzee brings the glue play and penalty-box presence that Lopetegui’s evolving system craves, while his selfless movement would heighten the productivity of West Ham’s dynamic wide threats. This is not a token pursuit; it is a targeted attempt to solve a structural problem.

For Manchester United, the calculus rests on minutes, health, and the strategic value of a mid-season loan. If those boxes are ticked, sanctioning a temporary move can preserve asset value while accelerating the player’s development in a demanding Premier League context. For West Ham, the upside is immediate and meaningful: control games better, raise shot quality, and bring balance to a frontline that needs a focal connector. The stars are aligned for a January solution — now it’s about timing, structure, and a green light from Old Trafford.