Struggling United Forward Set for January Exit
Manchester United have placed a €35 million (£31 million) price tag on striker Joshua Zirkzee, signalling their readiness to part ways with the Dutch international. The 24-year-old, who arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 for £36.5 million under former manager Erik ten Hag, has failed to replicate the form he showed at Bologna.
Zirkzee's Difficult Spell in Manchester
Since his high-profile move from Serie A, Zirkzee's career has stalled. After hitting double figures in his final season in Italy, he managed a mere three Premier League goals last season. His situation has deteriorated further under current boss Ruben Amorim, with the player yet to start a single game in the 2025-26 campaign.
This lack of playing time has prompted Zirkzee to seek a transfer when the window reopens in January. A primary motivation is to secure regular football to boost his chances of selection for the Netherlands squad at next summer's World Cup.
Roma Lead the Race for His Signature
According to reports from Italy, AS Roma are currently at the forefront of the pursuit. The proposed deal being discussed is an initial loan move that would include an option for a permanent transfer next summer for the requested €35 million fee.
However, a move to the Italian capital would require Zirkzee to agree to a reduction in his personal terms. The report from Gazzetta dello Sport notes that this fee is identical to the sum Roma are obligated to pay to make Evan Ferguson's stay permanent.
Should negotiations for Zirkzee collapse, Roma are prepared to switch their attention to Tottenham's Mathys Tel. The Premier League duo of Everton and West Ham United have also been credited with an interest in bringing the player back to England.
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has publicly advised his compatriot to return to Italy, stating that joining Manchester United was a 'wrong decision' and that a loan move would be beneficial for his career.
With Amorim having given the green light for the transfer, it appears a January departure for Zirkzee is increasingly likely, provided a club meets United's valuation.
