By Michael Nsikan Richard – November 17th, 2025
The current situation at Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee has been relegated to a peripheral role this season, having yet to start a single game in all competitions and accumulating only 90 minutes across five substitute appearances. His limited playing time has become increasingly concerning, with just 82 minutes of Premier League action this season.
The arrival of summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko has pushed the Dutch striker further down the pecking order under manager Ruben Amorim.
The 24-year-old has not been called up to the Netherlands national team, and with the World Cup just months away in 2026, he is desperate to reverse his situation.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has reportedly warned Zirkzee that his lack of playing time will jeopardize his chances of making the World Cup squad, adding urgency to his desire for a January move.
Manchester United’s Stance
There has been a notable evolution in Manchester United’s position regarding Zirkzee’s potential departure. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has indicated that United are now prepared to sanction a loan exit in January, representing a change from earlier reluctance.
Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera reports that United have made a U-turn and are now willing to loan out the player who “can’t wait to leave” the club, and crucially, they won’t even include an obligation to buy.
This shift appears driven by recognition that Zirkzee is far down the pecking order following heavy summer investment, and the club understands his only chance to make the World Cup is to play regularly next year.
However, the club values his positive attitude and commitment, with reports indicating he remains popular in the dressing room despite his lack of opportunities.
Primary Destination: AS Roma
The People’s Person reports that AS Roma has emerged as the frontrunner, with the Giallorossi pursuing the Dutch striker without hesitation and expressing confidence that Manchester United will maintain their openness to a loan with an option to buy. Roma’s interest is particularly strong due to their striker crisis, with both Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson struggling to find the net despite the team sitting second in Serie A.
The financial structure of Roma’s potential deal has become clearer in recent reports.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee would arrive at Roma on a six-month loan, with the Giallorossi covering the €1.8 million balance of his salary for the rest of the season, and if successful, Roma would have a €30 million option to make the transfer permanent.
However, another report from Il Messaggero indicates that Manchester United is demanding a buyout option set at €25 million, suggesting negotiations are ongoing regarding the exact purchase figure.
The People’s Person also reports that Roma’s appeal is enhanced by the presence of manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who had previously wanted Zirkzee during his time at Atalanta. The player’s familiarity with Serie A, where he excelled at Bologna, makes this destination particularly attractive for all parties involved.
AC Milan – Strong Competition
SempreMilan and Transfer Watcher report that AC Milan have re-entered the race as serious contenders for Zirkzee’s signature. Milan is evaluating various striker options, and Zirkzee has returned to their radar, with sporting director Igli Tare already making contact with the player’s representatives to understand the terms of a potential deal.
The Rossoneri are desperate for attacking reinforcement after Santiago Gimenez has failed to score in nine Serie A appearances this season. Milan views Zirkzee’s Serie A experience and aerial strength as an ideal mid-season solution, though he may not be the perfect stylistic fit for manager Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical plans.
Other interested clubs include West Ham, Everton, Sevilla, and PSV Eindhoven.
Key Considerations and Complications
Several factors complicate Zirkzee’s potential January exit:
A return to Italy would require the versatile forward to take a pay cut, as Italian clubs cannot match the figure he currently earns in Manchester. This financial hurdle could prove significant in negotiations with Roma and Milan.
Manchester United have indicated they would only allow Zirkzee to leave on a season-long loan with a view to bringing him back next season when there is a congested schedule. However, more recent reports suggest United may be flexible on loan duration, particularly given Zirkzee’s clear desire to leave.
As Stretty News reports, the timing is complicated by the upcoming departure of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo for the Africa Cup of Nations next month, which had initially made Amorim reluctant to lose another attacking option.
Additionally, Benjamin Sesko’s recent injury could potentially open opportunities for Zirkzee at United, though this appears unlikely to change his desire to leave.
NEW EPL MATCH REVIEW: NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS MANCHESTER UNITED
