Dutch international striker Joshua Zirkzee has agreed to join Italian giants AS Roma in the January transfer window, according to widespread reports from Italy. The 24-year-old's departure from Manchester United comes just 18 months after his high-profile arrival.
A High-Profile Signing That Failed to Deliver
Zirkzee's move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 was heralded as a major statement. His five-year, £36.5 million signing was the first major transfer of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, under then-manager Erik ten Hag. The club aimed to bolster an attack that had managed only 57 Premier League goals in the 2023-24 campaign.
However, the striker's time in England has been underwhelming. He scored just seven goals in 49 appearances last season and has found opportunities even more limited under current boss Ruben Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag in November. This lack of playing time, with the World Cup next summer in mind, prompted Zirkzee to seek a move away.
Positive Talks Pave the Way for Serie A Switch
As revealed by Daily Mail Sport, the player's camp began exploring alternatives. Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Zirkzee has held positive discussions with Roma's sporting director, Ricky Massara, and their manager, Gian Piero Gasperini. These talks convinced the forward to accept the switch.
Gasperini is said to have reassured Zirkzee that he will fit into his famous 3-4-2-1 system, which brought him success at Atalanta. The manager reportedly told the Dutchman he could feature in any of the three forward positions, offering a clear pathway to regular football.
Transfer Mechanics and Wider United Implications
The deal is expected to be finalised in mid-January, potentially after United players Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo return from the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Amorim has warned that departures are contingent on replacements being found. "It's going to be difficult for anyone to leave the club if we don't get a substitute," the United manager stated this week.
The proposed structure of the transfer is a six-month loan with an obligation to buy in the summer for a fee close to £35 million. This would allow United to recover the vast majority of their initial £36.5m investment in the player.
Zirkzee may not be the only United player heading to Italy. There is reported interest from Napoli in young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, where former Red Devil Scott McTominay is currently thriving. Amorim, however, has moved to quash those rumours, insisting Mainoo has a big future at Old Trafford.
"Kobbie Mainoo will get the chance," Amorim said. "He is going to be the future of Manchester United, that is my feeling." The club is reportedly against signing short-term replacements in January and may wait until summer for any major midfield reinforcement.
