If you’ve been following Dutch football or the Premier League, the name Joshua Zirkzee has probably popped up more than once. The 23‑year‑old forward is known for his quick feet, sharp finishing and the knack for finding space in the box. Below you’ll get a clear picture of his journey, his best moments, and why he could be a hot topic this season.
Born in Haarlem in 2001, Zirkzee grew up playing street football before joining Ajax’s famed youth academy at age 12. The Ajax system honed his technique and taught him how to read the game. By 17, he was already scoring for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie, catching the eye of senior coaches.
His big break came in the 2019‑20 season when he made his senior debut for Ajax. Though his minutes were limited, he netted a memorable goal against FC Twente that announced his potential. The Dutch striker’s work ethic and hunger for goals earned him a place in the Netherlands U‑21 squad, where he added a few more strikes.
In January 2022, Zirkzee moved on loan to Watford in the English Championship. The switch gave him a taste of English football and a chance to test his physicality. He scored 10 goals in 31 appearances, helping Watford secure a respectable league finish.
After the loan, he returned to Ajax but found competition for the striker spot intense. To get regular minutes, he secured a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga for the 2023‑24 season. In Germany, he has already logged 15 starts, netting 5 goals and providing 3 assists. His ability to hold up play and link with midfielders has impressed the Leverkusen fans.
Looking ahead, Zirkzee’s contract runs until 2027, but rumors link him with a possible return to the Premier League. Clubs that need a versatile forward who can both finish and create might see him as a bargain. Keep an eye on transfer windows – his agent has hinted at interest from several mid‑table English clubs.
What makes Zirkzee stand out? He blends physical strength with good movement, a rare combo for someone his age. He’s comfortable playing as a lone striker or part of a two‑up front system. That flexibility means coaches can slot him into different tactics without a big adjustment period.
If you’re wondering how his stats stack up, here’s a quick snapshot: 44 senior appearances for Ajax (3 goals), 31 Championship games for Watford (10 goals), 15 Bundesliga matches so far (5 goals). He also boasts a 0.35 goals‑per‑game ratio across all competitions – a solid figure for a young forward still finding his footing.
Fans love his work rate. He’s the type of player who tracks back to help defensively, making him a valuable asset in high‑press systems. On the training ground, coaches praise his willingness to improve, especially his left‑foot finishing which has grown noticeably in the past season.
For anyone tracking his progress, the best places to catch updates are Ajax’s official site, Bayer Leverkusen’s news releases, and his social media channels. Those platforms share match highlights, interview snippets and occasional behind‑the‑scenes footage.
In short, Joshua Zirkzee is a forward on the rise, with experience in the Netherlands, England and Germany. His blend of size, speed and technique gives him a bright future, whether he stays in the Bundesliga or heads back to the Premier League. Stay tuned – his next move could be the story you’ve been waiting for.
Milan faces a pivotal decision regarding Joshua Zirkzee's €55m transfer amid interest from Manchester United and other top clubs. Questions arise about excessive agent commissions and Zirkzee's suitability for Milan's needs. With a €40m release clause now revealed, the stakes are high for the Serie A giants.
