Sevilla set to bid for a January loan for Joshua Zirkzee - Almeyda’s priority No.9

Sevilla are positioning themselves to land Joshua Zirkzee on loan in January, with manager Matías Almeyda identifying the Manchester United forward as his priority target. The Spanish side plan to hand him a central role, table a competitive package and cover a portion of his wages. Informal contacts have begun and the fit is compelling: a mobile No.9 who links play, presses intelligently and raises Sevilla’s attacking ceiling. Given United’s congestion up front and Sevilla’s need for goals, the move has a clear logic. This one has momentum and is trending toward a green light.

The January window is approaching as Sevilla reassess their attack after a stuttering first half of the season. Club recruitment staff have explored loan-market solutions to inject goals and ball retention in the final third. Joshua Zirkzee, now at Manchester United after a breakout year in Serie A, has emerged as the leading target. Early, informal talks have been initiated this week, with Sevilla signaling readiness to offer a key role and a competitive financial structure. Both sides are evaluating minutes, tactical fit and wage coverage ahead of formal proposals.

🚨 JUST IN: Sevilla are set to make a January loan bid for Joshua Zirkzee, with manager Matías Almeyda viewing the player as his top target. Sevilla plan to offer him a star role, cover part of his wages, and submit a competitive proposal, with informal talks already started -

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

From a squad-building perspective, this is the classic win-win profile. Sevilla need a forward who can both finish and function as a wall pass under pressure. Zirkzee offers gravity between the lines, first-touch security and combination play that stabilizes possession in zone 14. Under Almeyda, who favors a high-energy out-of-possession scheme and vertical triggers, the Dutchman’s pressing IQ and body orientation when closing center backs solve immediate problems without a steep adaptation curve.

United’s angle is practical. With competition at the No.9 spot and minutes hard to guarantee across all competitions, a short-term loan preserves asset value, maintains rhythm for the player and avoids a stagnant second half of the season. A productive La Liga spell can re-rate his market price by 10-20 percent, especially if chance creation around him improves. Sevilla’s wing profiles benefit too: a target who receives to feet allows wingers to attack the box on the blindside, raising cross-to-shot conversion.

Financially, a loan fee plus partial wage coverage is a manageable outlay for Sevilla and offsets amortization considerations for United. Structuring performance bonuses tied to appearances and team outcomes de-risks the deal. The key sensitivity is role clarity. If Almeyda makes Zirkzee the first-choice 9, Sevilla’s expected goals should lift immediately, particularly away from home where they’ve struggled to hold the ball upfield. Net impact: high upside with controlled cost.

Reaction

Fan sentiment is split but engaged. A contingent in England argues a loan safeguards resale value if game time at United is limited, framing it as smart asset management rather than capitulation. Others want a permanent sale only, wary of subsidizing wages for a short-term fix. The salary split is a flashpoint: many Sevilla and neutral fans insist the borrowing club should assume most or all of the wages if the role is guaranteed.

There’s also a tactical thread. Some note Zirkzee is not a classic penalty-box poacher and question fit in systems that demand a direct, second-striker 10. That said, Spanish-based supporters highlight how La Liga’s rhythm suits technical forwards who link midfield to attack. The photo nitpicking and off-topic comments are noise, but the core debate is clear: either turn him into a focal point and let him cook, or don’t bother.

My read after scanning dozens of reactions: if Sevilla commit to him as a starter, most fans warm to the idea quickly. The demand is simple - minutes, responsibility and a pathway to permanent continuity if the football clicks.

Social reactions

Zirk suited to Italian football big clubs there are interested in him. We all know Sevilla and Betis haven’t got 30-35m to spend on him

Chirag Patel (@chiragcp1982)

And when Sesko gets injured what becomes our faith? "Cover part of his wage," as if they are doing United a favor.

Cynthia Martins 🔴 | ⚽️ Vibes Only (@MartinsCyn)

Bro, just pay in pixels and call it a day 😂🚀

NoToKYC.COM (@NoToKYC)

Prediction

Base case - 60 percent probability: Sevilla submit a formal loan offer within the first week of January including a loan fee, 60-70 percent wage coverage and attainable appearance bonuses. United accept a straight loan without obligation, but with a summer buy option set at a fair-market floor. Zirkzee starts immediately, averages 70+ minutes, lifts Sevilla’s hold-up metrics and finishes the season with a healthy contribution in goals plus shot-creating actions.

Upside case - 25 percent: Competitive pressure from another La Liga club nudges Sevilla to include an option-to-buy with a pre-agreed range. United insert a matching clause. The player thrives under Almeyda’s pressing cues, and the option is triggered early if Sevilla hit safety and knockout targets.

Downside case - 15 percent: United suffer injuries in the forward line and choose to keep squad depth. Sevilla pivot to a lower-cost striker with a different profile. If this happens, expect Sevilla to revisit Zirkzee late in the window or in June.

Timeline markers: informal talks now, club-to-club draft terms mid-December, medical and registration in the first 72 hours of the window if all parties align.

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Conclusion

This potential loan aligns perfectly with needs, timing and style. Sevilla require a forward who turns loose possession into structured attacks; Zirkzee thrives exactly there. Almeyda gets a selfless fulcrum for wingers and underlaps; United keep the asset active without forcing minutes. The negotiation pathway is straightforward: a sensible loan fee, robust wage contribution and performance triggers to reward output. Add an option-to-buy and the upside compounds.

I have seen this pattern before with technical No.9s moving from a crowded depth chart to La Liga: if the role is defined early, production stabilizes fast. Zirkzee’s touch map and shot quality profile translate to a league that rewards timing and combination play. If Sevilla move decisively, the deal gets done and both parties look smarter by May. The window will bring noise, but this one has the cleanest logic on the board.