Joshua Zirkzee & Everton: A Loan Link That Could Fix Two Problems

By Trendy News — November 15, 2025

Zirkzee at Manchester United has emerged as a January target for several clubs — Everton included.

Everton have been linked with Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee as they weigh up options to beef up a struggling attacking line in January. The Toffees are reportedly exploring loan solutions — and Zirkzee has emerged on several shortlists as a realistic, high-ceiling option should United be willing to let him leave temporarily. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Where the story comes from

Sky Sports reporter coverage and a raft of tabloid and local outlets have suggested Everton are among clubs monitoring Zirkzee’s situation at Old Trafford, where starts have been limited and competition fierce. Social posts from local reporters and aggregated news pages have pointed to Everton interest as credible rather than mere conjecture. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Sources: Sky Sports reporting; local Everton beat coverage and news aggregators. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Why Zirkzee could make sense for Everton

• Different striker profile: Zirkzee offers a strong aerial presence, physicality and penalty-box instinct — a different profile to Everton’s current frontmen, which could help against the tougher defences they struggle to break down.
• Immediate availability: If Manchester United agree to a loan, the January window allows Everton to plug a short-term gap without long-term transfer commitments.
• Player motivation: Zirkzee wants minutes to push for a regular international spot and will likely welcome game time to rebuild form and confidence. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

What Manchester United might gain

For United, loaning Zirkzee would be a chance to accelerate his development with regular starts while freeing squad space and wage flexibility. With the club linked to other striker targets, a short-term move could provide both player growth and reasonable market preservation if he rediscovers form elsewhere. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Potential hurdles

• Competition for the player: Everton are not alone — reports suggest West Ham and some Serie A clubs have shown interest, which could complicate negotiations. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• United’s stance: Manchester United may prefer to keep depth in attack or loan Zirkzee only if they can secure a recall clause or ensure he faces a suitable level of competition.
• Financial logistics: Everton’s ability to cover loan wages and any fee will shape whether the deal is feasible in January amid their current budget priorities.

How Everton might deploy Zirkzee

If he arrives, David Moyes could use Zirkzee as either a direct number-nine or as part of a two-striker rotation, depending on fitness and form of existing forwards. His aerial threat and hold-up play would help Everton in matches where breaking down packed defences has been a challenge this season.

What to watch next

• Official confirmation from clubs — until bids are lodged and accepted, the link remains speculative.
• Whether Manchester United include a recall or buy-option clause in any loan agreement.
• Competing offers from other clubs and Everton’s ability to assemble the necessary finance quickly in January.

Bottom line: The Zirkzee-to-Everton story reads like a logical, low-risk option for both parties: Everton get an upgrade in personnel, while Zirkzee gains the minutes he needs. But with competition for his signature and complications around loan terms, this one will come down to the small print — and how urgently Goodison Park’s decision-makers want reinforcements in January.

This article is an original piece synthesising publicly available reporting and beat coverage as of November 15, 2025. Transfer situations are fluid until officially confirmed by clubs. Key sources include Sky Sports reporting and local Everton beat coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}