Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly agreed to leave Manchester United in January, with Serie A side Roma emerging as his next destination in a deal that could be worth around £35 million.
The 24-year-old striker joined United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for £36.5m but has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. He has managed just one goal in 12 appearances this season and has slipped down the pecking order.
Zirkzee is understood to be keen on securing regular playing time as he looks to cement his place in the Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Limited minutes under new manager Ruben Amorim have reportedly prompted the forward to seek a fresh challenge.
According to reports in Italy, Zirkzee has already held positive talks with Roma sporting director Ricky Massara and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Roma boss is said to have assured the striker that he would fit seamlessly into his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, with the flexibility to play across the front three.
Roma are believed to be pushing for an initial six-month loan deal, which would include an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a fee in the region of £35m.
However, any move may not be completed until mid-January. Manchester United are currently dealing with squad depth concerns, particularly with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo expected to be away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Amorim has also made it clear that player departures will only be sanctioned if suitable replacements are secured. Speaking recently, the United boss stressed that the club cannot afford to weaken an already thin squad.
Despite that stance, Zirkzee’s situation appears increasingly uncertain, and a return to Serie A could offer the striker the career lifeline he needs after a difficult spell in the Premier League.
