Joshua Zirkzee keen on January switch to AS Roma as talks accelerate

Joshua Zirkzee is open to joining AS Roma in January, with the Italian club exploring a loan with option to buy that suits Financial Fair Play and squad needs. The Dutch striker has been short on minutes this season and is attracted by a project that prioritizes mobile link-up forwards. Roma see him as a plug-and-play fit to add craft, height and press resistance up front. Manchester United will listen if they can secure cover. I am told personal terms would not be an issue. The timing and structure will decide how fast this moves once the window opens.

Talks have been encouraged by recent briefings in Italy and quiet soundings from club circles in England as the January window approaches. Roma want a modern No.9 who links play and creates space for runners, while Zirkzee appreciates working under coaches with a strong track record of elevating young forwards such as Gian Piero Gasperini. United are weighing squad depth and the mid-season calendar before signing off on any exit. Both clubs have discussed mechanisms typical for winter deals, including loans with conditional obligations tied to starts or Champions League qualification.

🚨 NEW: Joshua Zirkzee is keen to join AS Roma in January. The player is attracted by playing for Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma’s manager has a good record of working with young forwards. [@CorSport]

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Impact Analysis

If completed, this move strengthens Roma in two key areas. First, it upgrades their reference point up front without sacrificing fluidity. Zirkzee drops into pockets, connects midfield to attack and can pin centre-backs with his frame. That profile unlocks runners from the half spaces and gives Roma cleaner exits against high presses. Second, his age profile fits Roma’s medium-term squad build, preserving resale potential while raising the team’s technical ceiling in the final third.

For Manchester United, a departure would only happen with cover secured. Zirkzee has offered flashes of his Bologna vintage - back-to-goal security, first-touch layoffs, clever reverses - but minutes have been sporadic. If United land a stopgap 9 or recall a loanee, moving Zirkzee could rebalance wages and allow him meaningful minutes abroad. The Serie A rhythm and tactical detail should suit him. From a finance lens, a loan with an option or conditional obligation protects Roma’s cash flow and gives United a clear valuation path. From a sporting lens, it places Zirkzee in an environment that rewards his associative play and decision-making around the box.

Reaction

Fan reactions split along predictable lines. Many Roma and neutral observers love the fit. One take captured the mood: Gasperini-type systems amplify a forward who links, moves and creates space - exactly Zirkzee’s toolkit. Another echoed the excitement, calling the potential move fire and insisting he would finally get a platform to show his ceiling.

On the Manchester United side there is hesitation. Some argue the club should not let him leave without a replacement, noting the winter market rarely gives value. Others challenge the player to fight for his spot, pointing out that competition is part of the job. A few push back at the manager dynamic, suggesting that if he is not trusted now, a loan could protect his confidence and rhythm. There is also the usual noise on social media - off-topic posts and unrelated debate - but the core thread is clear: stylistically, Roma looks perfect, yet United’s depth and timing could still be the swing factor.

Social reactions

If Amorim won’t play him, it’s no wonder Zirkzee’s heading to someone who will.

IntheShadow (@zzzIntheShadow)

Nah Roma gonna destroy him!!

Amar (@AmarVijh999)

I doubt we let Zirkzee go in January unless we can sign a replacement which would be unlikely

UWT (@UtdWrestlinTalk)

Prediction

Three scenarios are live as the window nears. Most likely - a loan with option to buy. Roma secure Zirkzee early in January, with an option in the 30-40 million euro corridor and achievable add-ons. United keep control of the upside and insert a matching clause or sell-on. Personal terms are straightforward because Zirkzee prioritizes minutes and role clarity over a large pay jump mid-season.

Second scenario - conditional obligation. If Roma want stronger certainty, the obligation could trigger at 60 percent appearances or European qualification. This would satisfy United’s valuation and align with Roma’s performance aims, though it takes longer to negotiate.

Third scenario - deal delayed or collapsed if United fail to add a forward. In that case, expect late-window brinkmanship, with Roma holding a parallel shortlist. Probability split from what I am hearing this week: 55 percent loan with option, 25 percent conditional obligation, 20 percent no deal. Timeline to watch: medicals and final documents in week one or two of January if United green-light cover.

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Conclusion

This has all the ingredients of a smart January move. Roma get a 9 who plays like a 10 when needed, improves combinations in and around the box and lifts the technical floor of their attack. Zirkzee gets a team built to highlight his touch, awareness and timing. The Serie A tempo and attention to detail should sharpen his decision-making while protecting his confidence.

For United, clarity is everything. If they secure a short-term addition, approving a structured exit for Zirkzee makes sense and preserves value. If not, they will rightly hold. Either way, the direction of travel is positive for the player. He wants a clearer role and regular starts, and Roma are offering that platform. My read from speaking with people close to both sides: this will move quickly once the first domino falls on United’s replacement. It is the right profile, the right league and the right window for a forward who needs a runway, not a cameo.