MU Transfer 10/25: Zirkzee wants to leave, targets Gallagher
Zirkzee is expected to leave Man Utd in January; MU wants to borrow Conor Gallagher while Atletico wants to sell. Man City competes for Said El Mala, while the Red Devils consider Lewandowski on a free transfer.
Man Utd are facing a volatile winter transfer market: according to the Daily Star, Joshua Zirkzee is expected to request to leave Old Trafford in January; talkSPORT said that Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid) is on the shortlist but MU wants to borrow instead of buy; at the same time, Bayern Insider sources revealed that Man City is closely monitoring Said El Mala and competing with MU. In the long term, the Daily Star said the Red Devils are considering Robert Lewandowski if he leaves Barcelona for free next summer.
Zirkzee wants to leave Old Trafford
According to the Daily Star, 24-year-old striker Joshua Zirkzee is ready to ask to leave when the January transfer window opens. Joining from Bologna in 2024, Zirkzee scored just 7 goals in 49 appearances in his first season and is no longer in coach Ruben Amorim's plans. In fact, he has been pushed behind new signings Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in the attacking pecking order.
Meaning to depth of attack
Zirkzee’s departure, if it happens, will ease the load on the strikers but also raise questions about rotation options as the season enters a tense period. The presence of Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko suggests United are restructuring their selection order, thereby paving the way for other personnel adjustments in the winter window.
Gallagher on shortlist, caught in differences of opinion
TalkSPORT said Conor Gallagher (25 years old) is in MU's January target group. Since leaving Chelsea for Atletico Madrid in 2024 for a fee of 40 million euros, Gallagher has made more than 60 appearances for the Spanish team. MU wants to borrow, while Atletico prefers to sell outright at a price equivalent to the initial investment.
Transfer message
The loan proposal suggests United are looking for financial flexibility in the winter window, rather than closing a major deal mid-season. On the other hand, Atletico’s demand for a permanent sale could complicate the process if the two sides do not bridge their differences.
Said El Mala Race
According to the Bayern Insider podcast, Man City is tracking young striker Said El Mala (FC Koln) and will have to compete with MU and Bayern Munich. El Mala grew up at Viktoria Koln (Germany's third division), signed a contract with FC Koln in 2024 and continued to be loaned to Viktoria Koln in the 2024/25 season to gain experience.
Signals for long-term planning
Joining the race for a young talent like El Mala shows that MU is not only looking for an immediate solution for the attack but also keeping an eye on the next generation.
Lewandowski options for the summer
The Daily Star reports that Manchester United are considering Robert Lewandowski as a free agent next summer. The Polish striker's current contract with Barcelona expires at the end of this season, although Barcelona have the option to extend it by a year. The deal's completion depends on the Camp Nou club's decision and the status of the free agent negotiations.
Key statistics and timelines
| Target | Year old | Current club | Status | Notable figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Zirkzee | 24 | Man Utd | Expected to leave in January | 7 goals/49 matches in first season at MU |
| Conor Gallagher | 25 | Atletico Madrid | MU wants to borrow; Atletico wants to sell | >60 appearances from 2024; transfer fee 40 million euros |
| Said El Mala | - | FC Koln (on loan to Viktoria Koln) | Man City, MU, Bayern follow together | Signed with FC Koln in 2024; loan 2024/25 |
| Robert Lewandowski | - | Barcelona | MU considers free agency next summer | Contract expires at the end of the season; Barca has the right to extend for 1 year |
Impact and prospects
The signals at the same time show that MU is calculating on many levels: freeing up the current strikers (Zirkzee case), finding a midfield solution on loan (Gallagher), monitoring young talent for the future (El Mala) and considering an experienced option in the summer (Lewandowski). The success or failure of each deal depends on the partner's stance and the time frame: the winter opens a window for short-term adjustments, while the summer is the time for structural decisions.
In that context, financial flexibility and negotiating ability will be key for MU in the winter market, before they decide on the steps to shape the squad in the summer.
