Roma Pursues Zirkzee Amidst Manchester United Struggles

Reports from Italy indicate that AS Roma has intensified its efforts to acquire Manchester United’s underutilized striker, Zirkzee. The player is eager to leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window, frustrated by his limited playing time under manager Ruben Amorim. Despite recently making his first Premier League start of the season in a loss to Everton, the match did little to alter his status after months of being on the sidelines. Zirkzee’s desire for regular playing time is critical as he aims to establish himself in the Netherlands national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Roma appears ready to provide him with a significant role and a fresh start.

As discussions progressed, Italian publication Corriere dello Sport reported that the 24-year-old has already expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Giallorossi. Initial concerns regarding agent commissions have since been resolved, allowing Roma to formulate their proposal while adhering to UEFA’s financial regulations for winter signings. Given the club’s inability to register a permanent transfer valued between €25 million to €30 million in January, their strategy has shifted towards pursuing a loan agreement with an option for a delayed purchase when the season concludes.

Manchester United is open to selling Zirkzee but favors an immediate permanent transfer, especially since the striker was signed for £36.5 million from Bologna in 2024. However, with his playing time dwindling and the January window fast approaching, the Red Devils may increasingly consider Roma’s loan-with-obligation proposal. This structure would secure a guaranteed sale for United while providing Roma the flexibility to finalize payment once their summer budget is clearer.

Zirkzee’s potential departure underscores the challenges he has faced at Old Trafford, where he arrived with high expectations. Despite Rasmus Hojlund’s exit in the summer, Zirkzee has found himself relegated to a secondary role behind players like Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, accumulating only 172 Premier League minutes and missing four matches entirely. His limited involvement became glaringly evident, as he only secured a league start due to injuries affecting both Sesko and Cunha, emphasizing his diminished role in Amorim’s plans.

This situation is particularly detrimental for Zirkzee, given his aspirations to feature for the Netherlands ahead of the upcoming World Cup, where prolonged bench time threatens his international prospects. From Manchester United’s perspective, the club is balancing the need to maintain squad depth, particularly with the forthcoming AFCON absences of Amad Diallo and Mbeumo, against Zirkzee’s desire to leave. This delicate situation puts United in a challenging position; prioritizing immediate squad needs risks diminishing the value of a discontented player whose opportunities are unlikely to increase.

Roma’s strategy focuses on a loan agreement with an obligation to buy, which they view as the only feasible option given UEFA’s financial constraints during the winter transfer window. The club intends to defer the €25 million to €30 million payment until next summer, allowing for adjustments based on Champions League qualification and overall performance this season.

Manchester United’s reluctance arises from a preference for a straightforward sale in January, as Zirkzee no longer fits into Amorim’s long-term vision. While the club faces challenges with forward depth in January—especially if Sesko’s recovery is prolonged—they acknowledge that retaining an unhappy striker with limited playing time is unproductive. The board recognizes that a loan with an obligation to buy better safeguards Zirkzee’s transfer value than allowing him to remain stagnant in Manchester.

For Zirkzee, Roma presents the two key elements he desires: guaranteed playing time and the opportunity to work under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The forward enjoyed success in Serie A during his time with Bologna, making a return to Italy an attractive prospect for regaining confidence, scoring goals, and rebuilding his standing with the national team.

Roma must now formalize their loan-plus-obligation proposal to Manchester United, who will assess the offer against their need for attacking options in the latter part of the season. If Roma can agree to terms that activate the obligation based on Champions League qualification or other conditions, it would enhance the likelihood of United’s acceptance. Both clubs anticipate intensified negotiations as January approaches, with the structure, timing, and guarantees being the final points of discussion.

For Zirkzee, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether he secures a fresh start in Serie A or remains at Old Trafford until the summer. His motivation to leave is strong, and his position will play a significant role in advancing the deal. Should United approve the transfer, Roma is poised to integrate him into their squad immediately.