Roma Set Target on Joshua Zirkzee in Ambitious January Move

Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United has become a focal point of the January transfer window, as AS Roma intensifies efforts to secure the Dutch striker in a deal designed to satisfy UEFA’s financial constraints. With the Serie A leaders eager to reinforce their attack, Zirkzee’s frustration at Old Trafford has presented Roma a unique opportunity to land a proven talent through a strategic loan-to-buy formula.

Joshua Zirkzee Transfer: Roma’s Tactical Approach

Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly given the green light to a switch to Rome, opening the path for Roma to structure a proposal Manchester United might accept. The Italian giants, limited by UEFA’s regulations on winter spending, have crafted a deal involving a loan with an obligation to buy. This would allow them to defer the significant €25–30 million payment until summer, aligning their transfer expenditure with future budget clarity and possible Champions League qualification.

Roma’s plan is to bring Zirkzee on loan in January, with a pre-arranged obligation to purchase triggered by specific milestones—like securing a top-four league finish. This structure suits both Roma’s financial situation and Zirkzee’s career ambitions, especially as the 24-year-old seeks steady playing time to strengthen his chances for the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands.

Manchester United’s Dilemma: Cash Now or Value Later?

Manchester United, meanwhile, face a tough decision regarding Zirkzee’s future. The club is open to a sale, preferably an outright January transfer, having invested £36.5 million to land Zirkzee from Bologna in 2024. Yet, with his limited Premier League minutes—only 172 this season—the striker’s market value could suffer if he remains on the fringes under Ruben Amorim.

United’s squad depth also comes into play. The Red Devils contend with potential forward shortages in January due to injuries and AFCON absences, making it risky to offload Zirkzee without an immediate replacement. Still, the club recognizes that keeping an unsettled player could be detrimental to both parties, and a loan with obligation offers the guarantee of a future sale while maintaining transfer value.

Why Zirkzee Wants the Roma Move

For Zirkzee, a move to Roma represents a chance to revive his career in familiar Serie A territory, where he previously excelled with Bologna. His marginal role at United—despite being expected to fill the void left by Rasmus Hojlund’s departure—has seen him start just once in the league, mainly due to injuries to other forwards. The lack of consistent action not only threatens his club prospects but also his ambitions with the Dutch national team.

Roma, under the guidance of Gasperini, can offer Zirkzee consistent minutes and a clear role in attack. This combination is precisely what the forward needs to regain confidence, find his scoring touch, and put himself back in the frame for international selection ahead of major tournaments.

Roma’s Loan Structure: Navigating UEFA Rules to Land Joshua Zirkzee

Roma’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee hinges on their ability to work within strict UEFA-imposed financial constraints for winter transfers. The club is unable to commit €25–30 million up front in January, making a loan with an obligation to buy—activated by Champions League qualification or other preset conditions—the only realistic path.

This approach allows Roma to delay significant payments until next summer, giving them flexibility based on their end-of-season achievements and revenue streams. For Zirkzee, it’s a win-win: the chance for immediate playing time, the security of a permanent transfer in sight, and a return to a league where he’s historically thrived.

Manchester United’s Position: Balancing Present Needs with Future Planning

Manchester United’s hesitation stems from a desire to recoup their investment quickly and address ongoing squad needs. While a permanent January sale remains the club’s preference, the structure proposed by Roma ensures a guaranteed fee in the near term and mitigates the risk of further devaluation or player unrest.

The forward’s situation—compounded by the club’s evolving plans under Amorim—means that both United and Zirkzee are motivated to find a solution before the window closes. Roma’s willingness to formalize the deal quickly, potentially adding automatic triggers such as Champions League qualification, increases the likelihood of a successful negotiation.

What’s Next: Will Zirkzee Make the January Switch?

As the January window approaches, the final details of Roma’s proposal must be ironed out. United will weigh the need for attacking depth against the benefits of offloading a discontented player on terms that suit both clubs. For Zirkzee, the coming weeks represent a pivotal crossroads: either a fresh challenge in Serie A or a continued struggle for minutes at Old Trafford.

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Opinion: Roma’s calculated risk could pay off

Roma’s approach to signing Joshua Zirkzee is a smart, pragmatic move. By leveraging a loan with obligation to buy, they respect financial fair play while positioning themselves to add a proven striker. United’s preference for an immediate sale is understandable, but with Zirkzee’s desire for game time and Roma’s clear interest, this deal—if finalized—could benefit all parties. If Zirkzee finds his rhythm in Serie A again, Roma may have secured not just a temporary reinforcement, but a long-term attacking asset.