Arjun Menon
Joshua Zirkzee’s turbulent spell at Manchester United could soon come to an end, with reports in Italy suggesting that AS Roma are ready to offer the Dutch forward a fresh start in Serie A this January.
The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact since his move to Old Trafford, registering just seven goals and three assists in 53 appearances. With his game time shrinking this season—just 82 minutes across four matches—Zirkzee is understood to have told his agent to secure him a transfer once the winter window opens.
Roma reignite pursuit of Zirkzee under Gasperini
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to reignite his long-standing interest in Zirkzee. The Italian tactician, known for his attacking 3-4-2-1 system, reportedly tried to sign the striker during his successful spell at Atalanta. Now, with Roma eyeing attacking reinforcements, Gasperini views Zirkzee as an ideal fit for his dynamic system—either as a central striker or as a supporting forward behind the main man.
From a financial standpoint, Roma could comfortably cover around half of Zirkzee’s €1.8 million (£1.6m) yearly salary. However, the Giallorossi are expected to pursue a loan move rather than a permanent deal, keeping costs low while assessing his potential contribution.
Serie A return gaining momentum
Zirkzee’s potential return to Italy is gathering momentum, with AC Milan, Juventus, and Como also monitoring his situation. The Dutchman previously thrived in Serie A with Bologna under Thiago Motta, and a move back could be the reset he needs to revive his career and secure a place in the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup squad.
Meanwhile, back at Manchester United, Rasmus Højlund’s departure to Napoli this summer has created a void Zirkzee has been unable to fill. Højlund has already scored four goals in six games under Antonio Conte, while Zirkzee remains goalless and out of Erik ten Hag’s plans.
United’s transfer strategy faces scrutiny
The latest developments add pressure on Manchester United’s transfer strategy, which has struggled to deliver consistent attacking returns in recent seasons. If Zirkzee departs in January, it would mark yet another attacking experiment that failed to take off at Old Trafford.
For Roma, though, this could be an opportunistic move—reviving a talented forward in need of confidence while adding depth to a squad pushing for a top-four finish in Serie A.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Zirkzee’s future could soon lie back where he once shined—the Italian peninsula.