Joshua Zirkzee’s time in Manchester has hardly been ideal.
Signing hasn’t worked out
The Dutchman has shown glimpses of his talent with outstanding technical skill and the odd important goal.
Nonetheless, most of his time at Old Trafford, he has looked out of place and not fully up to speed with the pace of the Premier League.
Zirkzee has barely played this season with the arrival of Benjamin Sesko and Ruben Amorim’s insistence on playing Matheus Cunha as a false nine versus Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Injuries to Sesko and Cunha meant Zirkzee was given a chance to shine versus Everton but he was incredibly disappointing, regularly giving the ball away and missing numerous big chances to score.
AS Roma interest
As a result of his lack of game time, there have been rumours that the Dutchman is keen to leave Old Trafford in the winter.
Italian side Roma are said to be in “pole position” to sign the former Bologna striker in the January window.
It was also relayed by The Peoples Person that Zirkzee has in fact said yes to the Roma project and would be keen to make a move should United be able to agree a deal with the Romans.
Green light
Italian publication, Corriere della Sera (via Vocegiallorossa) reports that “club owners have further boosted the Giallorossi’s title dreams by determining a budget for possible deals in the winter transfer window.”
Roma still have Financial Fair Play to consider but owing to the owners desire to push for the title, they will have more freedom in negotiations and may not only need to rely on loan or swap deals.
What’s more, Corriere dello Sport report that Roma have a figure in mind that they would like to play for the Dutchman.
The article states that “Roma would prefer to postpone the payment of around €25-30 million until next summer as it would allow them to plan the budget depending on where they finish this season.”
Therefore, Roma’s clear preference would be to do a loan deal with an obligation to buy the player next summer.
Joshua Zirkzee Man United stats
Season Appearances Goals Assists Mins played
2024-2025 49 7 3 2256
2025-2026 6 0 0 180
Source: transfermarkt.com
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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