Manchester United has set their asking price for striker Joshua Zirkzee, following interest from Italian club Roma and two Premier League clubs. The 24-year-old Dutch international was brought to the Premier League by ex-United boss Erik ten Hag in a £36.5m move from Bologna in the summer of 2024.
Despite hitting double figures in his final season with Serie A, Zirkzee's form has largely deserted him since his arrival at Old Trafford. He scored just three goals in the Premier League last season and appears to have been frozen out by current manager Ruben Amorim this term.
Roma are reportedly leading the race to sign Zirkzee, although Everton and West Ham have also shown interest. Manchester United is ready to sanction his departure if they receive an acceptable offer, with Amorim reportedly giving approval for the transfer.
Potential loan deal with Roma
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, discussions are underway about a loan deal between Manchester United and Roma that would include an option for a permanent transfer next summer. The report suggests that Manchester United wants €35m (£31m) for Zirkzee - coincidentally, this is also the fee required by Roma to sign Evan Ferguson permanently at the end of this season.
However, joining Roma would require Zirkzee agreeing to take a pay cut as part of their strategy aiming towards making at least one attacking signing during winter window.
If negotiations fail between Roma and Manchester United over Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer deal, reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur’s summer signing Mathys Tel could be on their radar instead. Tel was signed on loan from Bayern Munich last January before Spurs made it permanent over summer with £30m deal.
Dutch icon urges return to Italy
Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit has recently urged Zirkzee to return to Italy in January, stating that he made the 'wrong decision' joining Manchester United. This move could potentially reignite his career and restore the form he showed during his time at Bologna.
While Joshua Zirkzee's future at Manchester United remains uncertain, it is clear that there are several potential paths for him. Whether he stays in the Premier League or returns to Serie A will depend on negotiations over the coming weeks.
