Is Zayn Malik paving the way for the breakup of One Direction?

One Direction would take a hiatus after dropping its fifth album, which would mean that this won't happen until next year. As of press time, their last scheduled full concert will be on Oct 31 at Sheffield's Motorpoint Arena.

According to the tabloid The Sun, the decision to break up One Direction was a mutual one for the four members.

"The guys have been together for five years, which is an incredible run for any boyband," the article said. "They fully deserve to have at least a year to work on their own projects. There is absolutely no bad blood between them and they are all 100 per cent behind the decision."

Zayn Malik might have provided the blueprint for the rest of One Direction members Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson to follow. Perrie Edwards' ex-fiancé quit the band earlier this year following the cheating rumors that eventually destroyed his engagement to the Little Mix star.

On July 29, Zayn Malik announced that he signed a solo deal with RCA.

However, The Sun claimed that the breakup by One Direction is not going to be permanent.

"It is definitely not a split and they fully intend to get back together at some time in the future," the tabloid said.

Meanwhile, OK! magazine reported that Harry Styles will launch his own solo career to compete with Zayn Malik.

"The 21-year-old star is thought to have already recorded a number of solo tracks, and is looking to release them when his contract with 1D comes to an end in a matter of months," the article alleged.

Now, if One Direction will break up and all the boys will launch their respective solo careers, the betting odds favor Harry Styles as having the most successful career, Zayn Malik included.

According to Daily Star, "Bookmakers are even taking bets that Mr Styles will out-sell all of his bandmates in 2016 with odds currently at evens with Zayn coming in at 2/1."