Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is no longer happy with his status at the club, so a return to Serie A could be on the horizon.
The Dutchman completed a £36 million transfer from Bologna in the summer of 2024, but his first season at Old Trafford was an absolute rollercoaster. Zirkzee scored the winner on his debut against Fulham, but on the last match of the year, he was unceremoniously cheered off by his own supporters after being replaced in the first half against Newcastle.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old managed to win the supporters’ favour with some elegant displays, albeit his goal record remained mediocre, with only four strikes in the Premier League.
Joshua Zirkzee seeking a more prominent role at Man United
This season, the former Bayern Munich man has had a slow start due to an injury. However, his game time hasn’t significantly improved, even after regaining his best condition.
Ruben Amorim has identified Benjamin Sesko as the first choice for the No.9 role, while Matheus Cunha has also been deployed as a centre-forward at times. On the other hand, Zirzkee has only made four appearances off the pitch for a combined 82 minutes.
But while the Portuguese manager is keen to maintain the player’s services, Zirkzee will reportedly try to force his way out of Carrington in January, as he remains determined to gain a spot in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is hellbent on signing the Man Utd struggler in mid-season. The Italian had already tried to acquire his services during his time at Atalanta.
Why Roma & Gasperini are interested in Zirkzee
As the pink newspaper explains, the Giallorossi would like to add a versatile attacker capable of playing as a striker and a left attacking-midfielder, as these are two positions that the club is determined to bolster in January.
As it happens, Zirkzee is familiar with both roles, so it remains to be seen if the stars will finally line up for him and Gasperini.
Roma are unlikely to buy the player in the middle of the campaign, but would probably attempt to sign him on loan, potentially with an option to buy.
Zirkzee isn’t the only Man Utd player who could make the move to Serie A in the coming months, as Kobbie Mainoo is also being linked with a transfer to Napoli, and for similar reasons.
