Dutch-Nigerian Joshua Zirkzee set for January exit as Serie A clubs circle

Joshua Zirkzee is weighing up a return to Serie A after falling further down the pecking order at Manchester United, with the Dutch forward expected to seek a move in January.

Born in Schiedam to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother, Zirkzee has endured a frustrating start to the campaign.

He has been an unused substitute three times already this season and was afforded just five minutes in last weekend’s match against Brentford.

With United preparing to face Sunderland in what is a crucial fixture for manager Ruben Amorim, the 24-year-old is again expected to start from the bench.

Sympathy for Zirkzee’s situation exists within Old Trafford, but his role has never been clearly defined since arriving from Bologna.

United’s heavy recruitment in attack has only deepened the challenge, with more than £200 million spent on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko since last season.

Despite managing only seven goals in 53 appearances for United, Zirkzee continues to hold strong appeal in Italy.

Juventus and AC Milan previously monitored him, while newly ambitious Como are now exploring the chance to bring him back to Serie A.

United are understood to value the striker at around £30 million, but a loan move in January is considered the most realistic option.

Sources indicate that Zirkzee is open to returning to a league where he previously built his reputation.

The only uncertainty lies in Amorim’s future. Should United change managers before the new year, there remains a slim chance Zirkzee could be offered the reset he has been waiting for.

But as things stand, the expectation around Old Trafford is that his United career is nearing its conclusion.

A move back to Italy is increasingly viewed as his likeliest path forward.