Manchester United are prepared to green-light the departure of striker Joshua Zirkzee to Italian side Roma during the upcoming January transfer window, but have attached two significant conditions to any deal.
The proposed deal and United's demands
According to reports from the Netherlands, both the player and the club are open to a move that would see Zirkzee return to Serie A. The proposed structure is an initial loan agreement, which would then become a permanent transfer next summer if a mandatory fee of €35 million is paid.
However, United are in no rush to finalise the transfer. The club's hierarchy have made it clear they will not sanction Zirkzee's exit until after the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in early 2025. This is due to a depleted attacking roster, with Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) and Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) set to compete at the tournament.
Zirkzee's struggles and desire to leave
The 24-year-old Dutch international has failed to make a significant impact since his £36.5 million move from Bologna 18 months ago. He has managed just four Premier League goals in a United shirt and has found consistent starts hard to come by.
Injuries to Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha recently gave Zirkzee a run of three league starts, but he has since returned to the bench, featuring for only 25 minutes across the last three matches. His frustration at a lack of playing time is understood to be a major factor in his desire to seek a new challenge, with a place in the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup at risk.
The report states Zirkzee has already held positive discussions with Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini and is enthusiastic about a return to Italian football, where he previously played for Bologna.
Why United are hesitant and what's next
Despite Zirkzee's limited output, manager Ruben Amorim faces a selection headache in January. The AFCON departures and a recent injury to captain Bruno Fernandes, who could miss up to six matches, have stretched United's attacking options thin.
This situation has led to internal analysis suggesting the club should retain Zirkzee for the remainder of the season unless they can secure a replacement forward in January. With Chido Obi reportedly not in Amorim's immediate plans, Zirkzee remains an important squad player for the coming months.
In other transfer news, United are not expected to allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave following Fernandes' injury, but maintain a strong interest in Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana striker, who has an £65 million release clause active in early January, has also attracted attention from Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
