Why Joshua Zirkzee would be an exciting signing for Everton
According to claims from talkSPORT (h/t The Sun), Everton are closing in on a loan deal for highly-rated Bayern Munich youngster Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window.
The Toffees are understood to be in the market for fresh additions to bolster their attack during the mid-season trading period. The report also adds that Carlo Ancelotti’s side are planning to bring the teenager on an initial loan deal this month before making his stay permanent next summer. (TalkSPORT h/t The Sun)
Profile
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother, Zirkzee started his footballing education at ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord. He never made a competitive appearance but showed enough potential at the youth level to earn a move to Bayern Munich in 2017. He made his senior breakthrough during the 2019-20 season after impressing for the Bavarian giants at the U-19 and reserve level.
The 19-year-old shot to prominence with 4 goals in 9 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich last term while also making his Champions League debut. However, Zirkzee has started only once in the league for Bayern so far this season, playing just 92 minutes of football in the Bundesliga.
His only appearance in the group stages of the Champions League this season came as a 4-minute cameo in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid back in December. Despite his lack of game time at Bayern, the Dutch U-21 international remains a talented young striker with the potential to evolve into a top-quality player in any elite league across the continent.
Everton need a striker
Everton’s pursuit of a new striker has been heightened by the recent injury to top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international has shouldered the bulk of his side’s goalscoring workload this term, bagging 11 goals in 16 PL appearances so far.
But with the former Sheffield United star expected to spend a few weeks on the sidelines, the Toffees face the risk of a potential burnout up top heading into a hectic winter schedule.
Ancelotti went into the midweek win over Wolves without a specialist striker with Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez operating in front of goal. The manager hasn’t shown much trust in the abilities of Cenk Tosun, who is expected to seek a departure this month after struggling for game time (h/t The Sun).
With Moise Kean also out on loan at PSG, Everton’s striking options certainly seem very limited in the absence of Calvert-Lewin.
Having said that, a loan move for Joshua Zirkzee would be a real coup for Everton this month. Capable of playing as a centre-forward and also as a supporting striker, the Dutch starlet would offer Ancelotti some much-needed cover and competition in front of goal. The teenager hasn’t played a lot at Bayern this season but has flourished in the past when provided with regular minutes.
Verdict
A loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer would be just the ideal stance for Everton on Joshua Zirkzee. There are no guarantees that the 19-year-old would be able to make an immediate impression in the Premier League, considering his lack of exposure at the highest level.
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However, a loan move would allow the Toffees to make an in-depth assessment of the player’s strengths while the youngster would also serve as a useful back-up option heading into the second half of the season.
