Joshua Zirkzee recently made a return to the Manchester United lineup but his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Despite Joshua Zirkzee making three consecutive Premier League starts in recent weeks, the Dutch striker remains behind Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha in Ruben Amorim’s pecking order.
His lack of game time toward the start of the season led to speculation of a January exit, with Roma interested in signing Zirkzee to bring him back to Serie A.
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Recent reports suggest Roma plan to sign Zirkzee on loan with an option to make the deal permanent in 2026. A clause could be included that makes the deal obligatory if Roma qualify for the Champions League.
Amorim has been impressed by Zirkzee in his recent performances, and the United boss may want to keep hold of the 24-year-old for the second half of the season. But it seems Roma are ready to force a decision.
Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring for Manchester United.
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Roma chief wants to sign Joshua Zirkzee
While other Italian clubs have shown interest in Zirkzee, it is Roma who are leading the race for his signature.
According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Paolo Assogna, Roma director Frederic Massara and manager Gian Piero Gasperini have both given the green light to sign Zirkzee in January.
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“We know that everyone agrees on this – the sporting director and the coach, who has already given the green light to the deal. We’re clearly talking about Joshua Zirkzee, a player who is a guarantee in Italy. He knows the league, and in the winter transfer window that’s an important factor – you need a player who is ready to perform immediately,” Assogna said.
“Zirkzee, who isn’t playing that much in the Premier League – though he is still getting minutes – knows Serie A extremely well. So he can basically step off the plane, go straight to the Stadio Olimpico, and be put on the pitch. There’s no need for him to ‘adjust’ or struggle to understand Italian football. And that’s why all the attention is on him.
“Naturally, the coach would like to have him straight away, because the January window only lasts one month. And there are many matches in between. Gasperini clearly wants, as every coach in the world wants, to have the players right away.
“Of course, we still need to see how the ongoing negotiations develop, because Roma and United are in daily contact regarding Zirkzee. It’s the only negotiation Roma have truly built up. But as always, it comes down to money: United want to cash in, they want to sell the player or include an obligation to buy. Roma instead – and I won’t repeat the whole UEFA parameter situation they need to meet by June – are proposing a loan with a buy option tied to certain objectives.
“But the negotiations are strong and serious, and you can sense – not exactly optimism, because that would be too strong – but you can sense United’s openness. That’s essentially the English club’s response, and it gives some real structure to the possibility of seeing Zirkzee join Roma in January.”
Man United cannot lose Joshua Zirkzee with no replacement
In recent weeks, injuries to Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have exposed United’s lack of attacking options, especially at centre-forward.
Zirkzee started against Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham in the Premier League in their absence. With Amorim chasing a top-six finish, United cannot afford to lose a striker option without bringing in a replacement.
Manchester United must KEEP Joshua Zirkzee in January
Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring for Manchester United.
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
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READ MORE: Chido Obi is passing every Ruben Amorim test with flying colours, Man Utd have a special talent
While Chido Obi is a spectacular talent, it would be a huge responsibility for him to step up and replace Zirkzee. It would be ideal if he could make that step next season instead.
It also explains why United want a permanent solution for Zirkzee. A return in 2026/27 would then present a roadblock in Obi’s progression.
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