Following Manchester United’s summer splurge, quite a few players have seen minutes hard to come by this season.
One of them is Joshua Zirkzee, who is yet to start a single game in all competitions. In fact, the Dutchman has managed a total of 82 minutes of action.
Last month, he appeared for 15 minutes in the Premier League, which shows how far he has fallen down the pecking order following the acquisitions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Mason Mount’s impressive form has meant the Netherlands international is currently fourth among attacking midfielders, and Benjamin Sesko is the undisputed starter up top.
Zirkzee’s reduced minutes
That is unlikely to change between now and January, unless there are major injuries, which is why the 24-year-old is keen to leave Old Trafford in order to earn regular minutes.
With the 2026 World Cup just months away, the former Bologna ace is keen to make the Dutch national team for the quadrennial showpiece.
There is interest from within the Premier League, but a move back to Italy makes the most sense given his familiarity with the conditions back there.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, AS Roma and Como are among the top two candidates for the United No.11. While the Giallorossi are plotting a winter loan move, the Serie A new boys are preparing a permanent offer.
“The equation is simple: Joshua Zirkzee enjoyed his best season in Italy, when he wore the Bologna jersey. Perhaps that’s also why the Dutch striker is eyeing Serie A again at a difficult point in his career.
“In Manchester, playing for United, he’s barely played. He’s unhappy, and several clubs, not just in the Premier League, have set their sights on him for January.
Two suitors for Joshua Zirkzee
“Gasperini’s Roma are in pole position, looking to strengthen their attack, but beware of the outsider Como, who perhaps have less appeal (not playing in the cup competition) but certainly have more financial resources than the Giallorossi.
“The Giallorossi would prefer to take him on loan due to Financial Fair Play concerns. Zirkzee is also the dream of Como, a wealthy club with an ambitious project. The Hartono club has the means to acquire him outright and is seriously considering it.”
INEOS, having spent £36.5 million to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams, are unlikely to accept a permanent sale so soon, while Ruben Amorim also does not want the versatile forward to leave.
The decision will rest with Joshua Zirkzee regarding which team he will join should he receive United’s green light. A meeting with INEOS is expected to iron out the difference and reach a consensus.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
