National World Top Stories Update Thursday 8 January, 2026
The ongoing saga over Manchester United outcast Joshua Zirkzee may finally be coming to an end.
The Red Devils are prepared to let Joshua Zirkzee leave the club in January and have no plans to keep him, with AS Roma expected to complete a deal despite the recent change in management at Old Trafford.
According to reports, Roma have been reassured that the Netherlands forward remains available this month.
Joshua Zirkzee could finally be leaving Manchester United.placeholder image
Joshua Zirkzee could finally be leaving Manchester United. | Getty Images
The Serie A club had already reached an informal loan agreement with Man United before Ruben Amorim left his role as manager, a development that briefly raised doubts over whether the move would still go ahead.
But according to TeamTalk, negotiations between the two clubs resumed on Wednesday, and Roma believe the deal can still be finalised.
Roma would prefer to sign Zirkzee permanently, and a return to Serie A is understood to appeal to the player after his successful spell with Bologna. For now, a loan move with an option to buy is seen as the most realistic way to complete the transfer during this window.
The Italian club had already factored in that Zirkzee would not be allowed to leave until Manchester United’s AFCON players return, meaning their broader plans have not changed.
Zirkzee joined United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 and is under contract until 2029, with the option of an additional year. The 24-year-old has made 64 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and bagging four assists.
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