Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Manchester United and join Serie A side Roma in January. The Dutch forward has found himself on the fringes of the first team at Old Trafford.
So far this season, Zirkzee has played just five matches for Manchester United, all of which were substitute appearances. The arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer have apparently pushed him down the pecking order in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Zirkzee has ‘made it clear’ that he is interested in joining Roma amid his lack of game time at Manchester United. The report claims the Rome outfit are guaranteeing him a starting spot in the club, and the player is also keen on working with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
For Zirkzee, regularly being in the starting XI of a top European team would increase his chances of getting called up by the Netherlands national team. Also, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, it will be important for the 24-year-old to move as soon as possible.
It is also said that Roma would want to agree to a deal with Manchester United at the earliest, as it will give Gasperini the best options available for potential Champions League qualification. Should both clubs agree on a deal, Zirkzee will be expected to hit the ground running at Roma due to his experience in the Italian top flight with Parma and Bologna.
However, Roma could have domestic rivals AC Milan to contend with for Zirkzee’s signature after reports emerged last month that the Rossoneri are also interested in the player.
How Joshua Zirkzee has fared at Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 on a five-year contract, in a deal worth £36.5 million. He made his debut at the English club as a substitute in a Premier League opener against Fulham on 16 August, where he scored the match’s only goal. He made his debut start for United in a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the league.
His appearances in his debut season were a mixed bag, starting some games while also coming on from the bench. However, he mostly played as a substitute. United finished the 2024-25 season trophyless, and Zirkzee ended the campaign with seven goals in 49 appearances across competitions.
His goal drought has continued, as his is yet to score a goal for the club in the current campaign.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
