Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has agreed to join Serie A side Roma in the January transfer window, bringing his frustrating 18-month spell at Old Trafford to a close.
Deal Agreed Ahead of Newcastle Clash
The Netherlands international gave his "full approval" to the move in the days leading up to United's Premier League match against Newcastle United on Friday, 27th December 2025. According to reports from Italy, Zirkzee held direct talks with Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini and sporting director Frederic Massara, receiving assurances about his role in the team.
This personal agreement paved the way for the clubs to finalise terms. The proposed deal is structured as an initial loan with a compulsory purchase obligation set at €40 million to be triggered at the end of the season. Roma are confident the transfer will be wrapped up by mid-January.
A Season of Frustration at Old Trafford
Zirkzee's departure stems from a lack of consistent starting opportunities under manager Ruben Amorim. The 24-year-old did not start any of United's first 11 league games this season, only earning a run in the side due to injuries to Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha.
Despite the absences of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for the Newcastle game, Zirkzee was again named on the bench. He was introduced after an hour but produced a disappointing performance, with Amorim visibly criticising him from the touchline on multiple occasions.
Zirkzee joined United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for £36.5 million but managed only seven goals in his debut campaign. His struggle led Dutch legend Ruud Gullit to publicly state the forward made a "wrong decision" leaving Italy, suggesting a return would revive his career.
What the Transfer Means for United and Roma
The timing of the deal aligns with the return of United's attacking reinforcements. Both Mbeumo and Amad are due back at the club following their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, whose final is scheduled for 18th January 2026.
While Amorim has previously insisted outgoings would require replacements, Zirkzee's exit now seems imminent. For Roma, the move represents a significant coup as they secure a talented forward familiar with Serie A, hoping he can rediscover the form he showed at Bologna.
This transfer continues a notable trend of players leaving Manchester United and subsequently thriving elsewhere in European football, a point highlighted by Gullit in his recent critique of the club's environment for developing talent.
