West Ham chiefs are understandably making moves ahead of the looming January transfer window, and their winter recruitment could end up being crucial as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to maintain the club’s Premier League status.

The Hammers have finally found something to smile about after securing back-to-back Premier League victories, providing some much-needed optimism they stand a chance of avoiding the drop.

Nuno’s side ended their miserable nine-month wait for a home league win by beating Newcastle 3-1 before following that up with a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Burnley at the London Stadium.

The Newcastle triumph represented Nuno’s first win in charge and provided a crucial boost for a side that had been languishing dangerously close to the foot of the table.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Against Burnley, West Ham demonstrated their newfound resilience by fighting back from Zian Flemming’s early header. Callum Wilson levelled just before the break with his eighth career goal against the Clarets, before substitute Tomas Soucek once again proved decisive – bundling home from close range.

Kyle Walker-Peters then wrapped up the three points with his first goal for the club, and you can argue that this international break comes at a terrible time for the east Londoners, considering they were just starting to find good form.

However, while West Ham are currently basking in a ray of sunshine following their dismal start to 2025/2026, Nuno realises that his current options just aren’t enough.

According to reports, West Ham are actively preparing for the transfer window with several targets identified. The club have PSV Eindhoven’s attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari, who has scored 10 goals in 17 matches this season, on their radar alongside many other options.

The 24-year-old Morocco international is viewed as the ideal player to add creativity and goals to Nuno’s struggling attack (Football Transfers), with David Sullivan and co also looking to bring in a new striker and defender amid links with former Brentford star Ivan Toney.

Brazil could be an interesting market for Nuno as well, following reports that West Ham have been offered both Pedro and Kaio Jorge ahead of the winter.

West Ham make approach to sign Brazilian sensation Allan Elias

Now, according to journalist Eduardo Burgos for AS, as translated by Sport Witness, they’ve also joined the race to sign one of Brazil’s most exciting young talents.

West Ham are said to have made an approach for young Palmeiras attacking midfielder Allan Elias.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a prime target for several Premier League clubs, with the Hammers joining Fulham and Everton in making enquiries about his availability. The trio have apparently established contact over the versatile starlet, who has been turning heads across European football, and it is believed that an offer north of £17.5 million could be enough despite Elias’ £84 million release clause.

What makes Allan particularly intriguing is his potential. He is a product of Palmeiras’ famed academy system – the same development setup that produced Chelsea sensation Estevao Willian, who has taken the Premier League by storm since his summer arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The academy, renowned as one of South America’s finest talent factories, has also produced stars like Endrick, who was also a reported target for West Ham before Lyon entered the fray.

Allan joined Palmeiras’ youth ranks in 2019 from hometown club Figueirense and has worked his way through the system to become a key figure in the first team.

His great form this season, with 10 goal contributions across 50 appearances in all competitions, seems to have caught the attention of scouts, with West Ham among the sides taking notice.

Burgos describes Allan as yet another “diamond” to come through at Palmeiras, and amid his dream of playing for Brazil, a move to the Premier League would surely appeal to him ahead of next year’s 2026 World Cup.

Manchester United are now very keen on signing Ajax midfielder Jorthy Mokio, amid a new update on his future at the Eredivisie club.

With Man United looking to sign a new midfielder, the likes of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba have been identified as potential targets, but it could be difficult to compete for their signatures, having already established themselves as Premier League stars.

As such, it may be a savvy move to bring in a lesser-known midfielder, with talks to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit recently advancing, as speculation over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford continues to build.

Ruben Amorim has suggested Mainoo’s lack of game time is due to United simply not playing in enough matches to make full use of the entire squad, saying: “Imagine for me to have Mainoo with that (many) minutes that he’s playing, he needs more games for me to make a rotation because, with one game (a week), it’s really hard.”

However, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes making themselves undroppable in recent weeks, a Mainoo departure could be on the cards, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a potential replacement.

Man Utd now very keen on signing Jorthy Mokio

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, in a report for Sky Sports, Man United have now emerged as one of the clubs most interested in signing Ajax midfielder Mokio, who has decided he wants to leave the Eredivisie club.

Ajax are looking to tie the midfielder down to a new contract, but he could seemingly have his head turned, with a number of clubs from across Europe now in the race for his signature.

The 17-year-old is being followed very closely by United, having been identified as the perfect target, but there could be competition for his signature, with Newcastle United and Eintracht Frankfurt also emerging as potential suitors.

The Belgian has been likened to N’Golo Kante, given that he flourishes from a defensive point of view, placing in the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 over the past year, and the 84th percentile for clearances, when compared to other midfielders.

Not only that, but the youngster has also established himself as a first-team regular for Ajax at a very young age, being lauded as an “amazing” player by scout Jacek Kulig.

With Mainoo’s future up in the air, it would make sense to bring in another young midfielder, but Man United may also need to sign another central midfielder alongside Mokio, given that Casemiro’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Man Utd want to sign one of the Premier League's "best" central midfielders Next Carrick: Man Utd want to sign "one of the best CMs in the PL" for £60m

Man United could enhance the quality of their midfield with the signing of another Michael Carrick.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 19, 2025

Manchester City are now willing to make an unexpected decision about Rodri’s future at the club in an attempt to sign Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid in 2026.

The Citizens were in a ruthless mood against Liverpool before the international break, with Pep Guardiola overseeing his 1000th game as a manager in classic, dominant style.

Injured £150k-a-week Man City star in protective boot, will miss 20+ games

He’s had more surgery.

By
Charlie Smith

Nov 14, 2025

It was the first time that the Citizens have sent a damning statement to the rest of the Premier League about their title credentials this season and former player Micah Richards believes that they could yet beat Arsenal to the crown once again.

What has made City’s quietly impressive form even better is the fact that they’ve coped without Rodri. In the Spaniard’s absence last season, they looked a shadow of their controlled best. This time around, as Rodri continues a stuttered recovery from an ACL injury, Nico Gonzalez has provided Guardiola with the perfect replacement.

It’s allowed City’s Ballon d’Or winner to slowly work his way back to his best, but has also welcomed some interesting reports about his long-term future at the Etihad. Some in Spain have even gone as far as to suggest that Rodri could yet be sacrificed as part of another £100m+ deal.

Man City willing to spend £100m+ to sign Bellingham

According to those reports in the Spanish media, Man City are now willing to spend €150m (£133m) to sign Bellingham in 2026 and could be prepared to use Rodri as a makeweight in any potential deal with Real Madrid.

There’s been more unrest at the Bernabeu since the arrival of Xabi Alonso, with Vinícius Jr particularly struggling with the Spaniard’s call for discipline, and that has opened the door for a number of potential exits.

Whether Bellingham is among those is the question that many will be asking. There’s no doubt that he — as one of the best midfielders in the world — would take City back to the level that resulted in Premier League dominance not so long ago.

Former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has been one of many iconic names to hand Bellingham plenty of praise in recent years, having told Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast earlier this week: “I think Jude is a fantastic player.

“If I have to compare, we were talking about Kaka. He is this kind of player, a really intelligent player, who is physically really strong, fantastic to arrive in the box at the right time.”

Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race to sign FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, with the Portuguese club willing to cash-in for a huge fee this winter.

Tottenham have struggled in front of goal at times this season, failing to score in three of their last four matches in all competitions, and the most recent result against Chelsea is likely to be particularly concerning for Thomas Frank.

Spurs fell to a 1-0 defeat at home against their London rivals on Saturday, failing to create a single big chance across the 90 minutes, which meant Randal Kolo Muani was limited to just 16 touches of the ball before being substituted in the second half.

Kolo Muani is yet to get off the mark in front of goal, while Mathys Tel has also struggled, scoring just one Premier League goal this season, and the Frenchman clearly hasn’t impressed Frank, having lost his place in the starting XI in recent weeks.

With that in mind, it would make sense to bring in a new striker in the January transfer window, and the door could be open to sign a Liga Portugal star…

Tottenham leading race for Aghehowa

According to a report from Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are now in the lead in the race for Porto striker Aghehowa, alongside Chelsea, with the London rivals potentially set to do battle for his signature.

The Portuguese club are now willing to sanction the 21-year-old’s departure for a fee of €80m (£70m) in January, despite the youngster having a €100m (£88m) release clause included in his contract.

A £70m offer is deemed ‘irresistible’, so a deal could be on the cards if Spurs are willing to eclipse the £65m fee they shelled out on Dominic Solanke and break their transfer record.

Journalist Zach Lowy believes the Spaniard, who has the same agent as Mohammed Kudus, could be destined for the very top, singling him out for very high praise on X back in June.

The Melilla-born marksman had a fantastic debut campaign in Portugal, scoring 19 goals in 30 league games, and he has since gone on to make an impressive start to the new season, finding the back of the net nine times in 11 matches in all competitions.

Aghehowa’s goal record at such a young age indicates he could have what it takes to become one of the best strikers in the world, and with Tel and Kolo Muani struggling, it would make sense for Tottenham to pursue a move this winter.

Tottenham now main contenders to sign Jonathan David Tottenham 'main contenders' to sign £188k-p/w Juventus star and it's not Vlahovic

Thomas Frank’s side have been tipped to replace Richarlison.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 31, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Contra o Santos, o Corinthians sofreu a quinta derrota consecutiva na temporada e segue na zona do rebaixamento do Paulistão, com três pontos. Thiago Kosloski, auxiliar após a saída de Mano, não quis iludir o torcedor e afirmou que a briga do Timão no estadual é fugir do rebaixamento.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoNeto detona dupla do Corinthians e desabafa após derrota para o Santos: ‘Virando piada’Fora de Campo07/02/2024Fora de CampoBenja enumera críticas contra jogadores do Corinthians: ‘Muito fraco, horroroso, ruim…’Fora de Campo07/02/2024CorinthiansTorcida do Corinthians detona Cássio em derrota contra o Santos: ‘Já deu’Corinthians07/02/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

– Não podemos enganar o torcedor e falar em título. Hoje a realidade é tirar o Corinthians da zona do rebaixamento. Se conseguirmos embalar uma sequência de duas, três vitórias, e aí sim vislumbrar uma classificação, com certeza o Corinthians embala e vai pela classificação. No momento, o foco é tirar o Corinthians da nossa situação, é inadmissível – disse Thiago Kosloski durante entrevista coletiva.

O auxiliar revelou que o elenco do Corinthians foi pego de surpresa com a demissão de Mano Menezes, após derrota contra o Novorizontino, pelo Paulistão.

continua após a publicidade

– Lógico, pegou a gente de surpresa. O professor Mano é uma pessoa altamente vencedora. Dispensa comentários. Logicamente, quando um companheiro de profissão perde o emprego, a gente não gosta. Realmente pegou a gente de surpresa. Mas a gente espera que o próximo treinador que chegar aqui leve o Corinthians ao caminho das vitórias – comentou.

O Corinthians vai ter uma batalha direta contra o rebaixamento no domingo (11), quando recebe a Portuguesa, na Neo Química Arena.

➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão

Tudo sobre

Corinthians

Achraf Hakimi was crowned African Player of the Year in Rabat after a stunning season with Paris Saint-Germain, edging Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to the honour. The award sparked an emotional tribute from his close friend Kylian Mbappe, who hailed him as “The King of Africa” in a heartfelt message. Their bond, built at PSG and sustained despite career moves, shone through once again.

Hakimi crowed African player of the year triumph

The Moroccan international Hakimi sealed one of the biggest individual honours of his career as he was named African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards 2025 in Rabat. Hakimi, who enjoyed a remarkable 2024-25 campaign with PSG, finished ahead of Liverpool icon Salah and Osimhen to claim the trophy for the first time. It also marked a symbolic moment of recognition for a player who has spent years climbing among the sport’s elite.

Hosted at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, the ceremony saw Hakimi become only the fifth Moroccan player to lift the award, bringing pride to his home supporters in the nation's capital. The defender had already been one of the star performers of the season, winning the Champions League, another Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Super Cup with PSG.

Hakimi, who recently recovered from a severe ankle sprain suffered after a brutal Champions League tackle, arrived at the ceremony on a scoote, a moment that grabbed the attention of supporters and underlined his determination to be present despite his injury. He said on stage: "It's really an honour for me to be here today and I'm proud to win such a prestigious trophy. This trophy, it's not just for me, it's for all the strong men and women that have dreams in Africa and those that dream of becoming footballers."

AdvertisementAFP'The king of Africa' – Mbappe's message for Hakimi

Moments after Hakimi lifted the trophy, Mbappe posted one of the most viral messages of the night on Instagram. The Real Madrid star forward shared a photo of Hakimi holding the golden ball and wrote: “I love you, my brother. King of Africa. Well done, my brother, it is a more than deserved award.”

The Frenchman doubled down on the emotional tone by adding Moroccan flag emojis, reinforcing the close bond they have maintained since their time together at PSG between 2021 and 2024. Their friendship was forged during three seasons at the Parc des Princes, where they were frequently seen celebrating goals together, travelling on holidays, or supporting each other publicly.

Mbappe’s tribute was also telling because Hakimi had finished ahead of him in the recent Ballon d’Or rankings, yet he showed nothing but admiration, a sign of the deep respect between the two. Despite now playing for different clubs, their connection remains one of the strongest personal relationships in elite football.

PSG years and Morocco legacy

Hakimi's success is the culmination of years of consistent excellence for both club and country. At PSG, he became one of Europe’s most complete full-backs, combining blistering pace with elite defensive instincts and a growing maturity as a leader. His Champions League triumph last season capped an extraordinary run where he delivered big performances in high-pressure moments.

Internationally, Hakimi remains the beating heart of the Moroccan national team, and he was a central figure in their historic march to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, where the Atlas Lions became the first African team to ever reach that stage. His leadership has only grown since then, with head coach Walid Regragui relying heavily on him both on and off the pitch.

The defender is currently recovering from a severely sprained ankle but remains hopeful of returning in time for the Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host. For Hakimi, lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil would be one of the ultimate milestones of his career.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWhat's next for Hakimi

Hakimi’s immediate priority is his recovery, with Morocco preparing to host AFCON from December 21. The full-back is expected to resume light training soon, but his final fitness will be monitored closely. Morocco have not won the competition since 1976, and Hakimi’s presence could be decisive in determining whether the hosts can finally break their decades-long wait.

For Mbappe, who continues his impressive start of the 2025 season at Real Madrid, the moment highlighted his leadership and the strong personal relationships he maintains across the footballing world. Madrid face a packed schedule across La Liga, the Champions League and the Club World Cup, but the French star continues to be a central figure for both club and country.

أعلن الإسباني تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد قائمة فريقه لمواجهة أولمبياكوس ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وكان ريال مدريد قد تعثر أمام إلتشي وتعادل بنتيجة 2/2 في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

وأصبح رصيد ريال مدريد 32 نقطة في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني، متقدمًا بفارق نقطة عن الوصيف برشلونة، الذي حقق فوزًا أمام أتلتيك بلباو برباعية نظيفة في نفس الجولة.

ويستعد ريال مدريد للعودة لمنافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، وسيحل ضيفًا على أولمبياكوس اليوناني في مرحلة الدوري غدًا الأربعاء القادم.

اقرأ أيضًا | تدريبات ريال مدريد.. عودة الثنائي المصاب وغياب محتمل لمدافع الفريق أمام أولمبياكوس

ومن المقرر أن يحل فريق تشابي ألونسو ضيفًا على نظيره أولمبياكوس غدًا الأربعاء، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

وشهدت القائمة غيابات عديدة خاصةً في خط الدفاع إذ يغيب الثلاثي إيدير ميليتاو ودين هويسن وداني كارفاخال عن رحلة أثينا بسبب الإصابة.

فيما وقد غاب أيضًا الحارس الدولي البلجيكي تيبو كورتوا ولم يتدرب اليوم بسبب نزلة فيروسية قوية.

وظهر تشواميني في القائمة مرة أخرى بعد الإصابة التي تعرض لها قبل التوقف الدولي وغاب على إثرها 3 أسابيع لكنه أصبح جاهزًا الآن لمباراة أولمبياكوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا. قائمة ريال مدريد أمام أولمبياكوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: لونين، فران جونزاليس، خافي نافارو.

خط الدفاع: ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، راؤول أسينسيو، كاريراس، فران جارسيا، ميندي.

خط الوسط: بيلينجهام، كامافينجا، فالفيردي، تشواميني، أردا جولر، داني سيبايوس.

خط الهجوم: فينيسيوس جونيور، إندريك، كيليان مبابي، رودريجو، جونزالو، إبراهيم دياز.

📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
🆚 @olympiacosfc pic.twitter.com/jVJ8JxGmGb — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 25, 2025

South Africa’s left-arm spinner due to play first two months of Championship, then through T20 Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2025

Keshav Maharaj celebrates a wicket•AFP/Getty Images

Leicestershire have signed South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for the first four months of next season as they target a strong return to Division One of the County Championship.South Africa have a clear window in their international schedule next year, and Maharaj is due to play in the Championship for the first two months of the season and then throughout the T20 Blast. Maharaj has previously been to the IPL, playing two matches for Rajasthan Royals in 2024, but his Leicestershire deal effectively rules him out of the 2026 edition.Leicestershire’s promotion to Division One for the first time since 2003 was confirmed on Thursday thanks to their draw against Gloucestershire. Maharaj will be one of two overseas players at the start of the season along with club captain Peter Handscomb, who has signed a year’s extension to his contract.”I’ve been digging into the history of the club, and it seems like a very exciting time to sign,” Maharaj said. “The boys have done some exceptional work throughout the season and have built some great momentum heading into next year. It’s early days, but we’re tracking in the right direction, so who knows how far this team can go?”He has previously featured in county cricket for Lancashire and Yorkshire, and was ruled out of a planned stint at Middlesex in 2023 through injury. His new team-mates at Leicestershire will include Rehan Ahmed, the young England allrounder, whose new role as a No. 3 batter opens up the possibility of both men playing in the same side.”It’s fantastic to welcome Keshav to Leicestershire,” Claude Henderson, Leicestershire’s director of cricket, said. “Alongside his exceptional cricketing abilities, he will bring vast international experience, leadership skills, and a huge passion for the game – all of which will be fundamental to our changing room.”Maharaj is the latest in a string of signings that Leicestershire have made ahead of the 2026 season. He follows top-order batter Steven Eskinazi (joining from Middlesex), wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Tattersall (Yorkshire) and seam-bowling allrounders Ben Green and Josh Davey (both Somerset).

Timo Werner’s hopes of securing a January move to MLS have suffered a major setback after the New York Red Bulls admitted they were “not 100 percent” convinced about signing him. The Leipzig forward, frozen out in Germany, had targeted a winter switch to the United States but with NYRB shifting their squad profile, his path to MLS has unexpectedly narrowed again.

• Werner move blocked by Red Bulls

  The German international’s bid to reignite his career in MLS has been dealt a blow as the New York Red Bulls confirmed they will not pursue a deal for the RB Leipzig striker this winter. The former Chelsea and Tottenham forward has been entirely sidelined from Ole Werner’s plans in Leipzig, despite having a contract until 2026. With 113 goals for the club, he remains Leipzig’s record scorer, but his status has shifted dramatically.

  Werner has been aware for weeks that a move is necessary, and as reported in Germany, he began planning his departure as early as mid-October, with MLS standing out as his preferred destination. New York Red Bulls, a sister club within the Red Bull network, tried to secure him in the summer and even prepared a two-and-a-half-year contract. However, the deal reportedly collapsed when Werner’s salary expectations could not be met.

  With his winter exit now looming and his role diminished in Leipzig, Werner had looked again toward MLS. But the Red Bulls, who have an open Designated Player slot and high roster flexibility, have chosen not to revisit the transfer. The shift comes at a time when the club is undergoing a broader identity reset after missing the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  De Guzman explains RBNY 'weren't 100% convinced'

  Speaking to about the club’s internal deliberations, newly appointed Red Bulls head of sport Julian de Guzman openly addressed the decision to walk away from the Werner opportunity. “There was always talks about [Werner],” he said, acknowledging the background negotiations. “We have to make sure, here in New York, it makes sense for us. It’s a great name to bring, I think fans would have loved him.”

  Despite admiring Werner’s profile and popularity, de Guzman confirmed that doubts remained about whether the signing matched the club’s long-term direction. “The opportunity was there, but I don’t think we were 100 percent sold that this was the right thing for New York. That’s why it wasn’t something we were fully invested in. We’d rather be patient [with that DP spot],” he added.

  His comments reflect an ongoing shift in New York’s squad building following a disappointing season. The club endured supporter frustration, especially after failing to use their third Designated Player slot. Fans even displayed banners criticising leadership, including one that read: “Poor Management Breeds Complacency.”

  Yet for de Guzman, the decision is strategic, not financial, as he emphasised the need to move beyond marquee signings for their own sake, adding: “I am far from wanting to sign a ‘famous player’. I simply want someone who will help the team improve.” He also referenced the presence of two experienced DPs, Emil Forsberg and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, when explaining why another veteran attacker wasn’t necessary.

• Squad structure and coaching changes

  The Red Bulls’ decision on Werner comes amid sweeping structural changes across the organisation. De Guzman has inherited a squad with one vacant DP spot, a need for reinforcements on the wings and in midfield, and a goalkeeper position to fill following Carlos Coronel’s departure. He also faces the task of securing a new head coach after Sandro Schwarz was dismissed three weeks ago.

  Former Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin is among the early names linked to the vacancy. Another internal candidate, Michael Bradley, fresh from leading Red Bulls II to the MLS Next Pro Cup, has also reportedly impressed many within the organisation. “I’m very impressed by what he’s done,” de Guzman said. “It’s his (playing) style. It’s attractive for players, for fans. You can see how calm he is, how he delivers his message to the players. I must say it’s refreshing.”

  For Werner, the combination of squad dynamics, Designated Player strategy, and supporter sensitivity has effectively shut the door on a New York move, at least for now.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What's the route for Werner in MLS?

  With the MLS route blocked in New York, Werner will now turn his attention to alternative clubs in the United States. Reports in Germany suggest that he is already considering other American markets, including Los Angeles, where multiple MLS sides could hold the financial and stylistic appeal he is seeking for a fresh start.

  January remains decisive with Werner’s situation at Leipzig is unlikely to improve under Ole Werner, and both the club and player appear aligned in their desire to find an exit. MLS remains attractive to the forward due to lifestyle, visibility, and a clear opportunity for leading roles in the right team.

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has now decided which team he would like to join in January as he looks to leave Old Trafford ahead of the World Cup.

Zirkzee could get new opportunity at Man Utd after Sesko injury

After joining from Bologna in 2024 in a deal worth £36.5m, it is safe to say that things haven’t gone to plan for Zirkzee in Manchester.

Under both Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim, the forward has failed to find the back of the net on a regular basis, scoring just seven times in 54 appearances for the Red Devils.

So far in 2025/26, Zirkzee has played 90 minutes of football in all competitions but could be in line for more appearances following the news of Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury that could see him sidelined for a month.

Talking about Sesko and Zirkzee, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that there could be an “opportunity” for the latter, who Amorim thinks can still be “very important”.

Zirkzee has also started to become a forward in demand ahead of the January window, and there have also been suggestions that the Red Devils are happy to sell the “imposter” for £35m with up to nine different clubs circling.

The 9 clubs interested in Joshua Zirkzee

Aston Villa

Brighton

Everton

Sunderland

West Ham

Inter Milan

Juventus

Roma

Sevilla

Now, the 24-year-old appears to have selected his preferred destination in 2026.

Zirkzee looking to leave Man Utd for Roma

According to reports in Italy relayed by Sport Witness, Zirkzee has made it clear that he would like to leave Man Utd and join Serie A side Roma in the New Year.

It is suggested that Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are offering him a clear starting spot in the side, something which appeals to the forward as he looks to increase his chances of making the Netherlands squad ahead of the World Cup.

Roma are looking to agree a deal with Man Utd as soon as possible and have already made initial contact over a transfer.

Should a move go through, Zirkzee, who scored 11 Serie A goals in 2023/24 before his move to Manchester, would be rivalling the likes of Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson for a starting spot.

Related Meet the ex-Man Utd star with over double Messi and Ronaldo's combined net worth

A former Premier League player has amassed an extraordinary net worth since retiring from football.

Posts ByDominic Lund Nov 17, 2025

All three centre-forward options are currently injured, though, potentially explaining the reason why Roma want to land a new striker as soon as possible in the New Year.

How £100m Carlos Baleba now feels about leaving Brighton to join Man Utd