Roma push to sign Joshua Zirkzee on loan with obligation to buy - perfect No9 for De Rossi

Roma have accelerated their move for Joshua Zirkzee, with talks centering on a loan plus obligation to buy that would bring the Manchester United forward back to Serie A. Club sources describe Zirkzee as the high-impact No9 Daniele De Rossi wants to fix Roma’s chance-to-goal gap. United are open to discussions if the structure protects their valuation and squad depth. The profile fits Roma’s 4-2-3-1 and box-midfield patterns - a mobile target who links play, presses smartly and finishes. A January agreement is realistic if final guarantees on fee, timing and add-ons are locked in. Momentum is clearly with Roma.

The chase has gathered pace in the January window as Roma look for a Serie A-proven striker who can slot in immediately under Daniele De Rossi. Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 and has retained strong market credit in Italy thanks to his breakout with Bologna under Thiago Motta. Roma are exploring a loan with obligation to buy, a structure that spreads cost while securing the player long term. United are weighing squad cover and pricing before green-lighting any exit, with Roma pushing to close quickly to beat competition.

🚨 NEW: Roma are pushing hard for Joshua Zirkzee who is seen as the perfect high-impact centre-forward to fix the Roma's goalscoring issues. A loan with obligation to buy is the likely structure to bring the Serie A-proven forward back to Italy. For Gasperini, he’s the ideal

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

This move answers Roma’s most obvious need: a forward who can stitch attacks while still offering penalty-box presence. Roma’s chance creation has been fine in phases, but conversion and continuity at No9 have lagged. Zirkzee’s first touch, ability to roll defenders and combine with inside 10s would immediately raise the ceiling for Paulo Dybala and the wide runners, turning sterile possession into shots from better locations. In De Rossi’s build-up, the striker often drops to form an overload with the No8s - Zirkzee excels there. He also presses in curved runs, guiding build-out to Roma’s traps, which fits De Rossi’s mid-to-high press triggers.

Financially, a loan with obligation smooths cash flow and limits risk. For United, an obligation preserves value and avoids a discounted exit later. The knock-on for Roma is squad equilibrium: Zirkzee’s arrival likely nudges a current forward into a rotation role, but it deepens the bench for a run-in across Serie A and Europe. If executed, expect Roma’s xG per 90 to climb while shot quality improves. Zirkzee does not need 6 shots a game - he needs the right 3. In a side that finds the half-spaces well, that is exactly what he will get in Rome.

Reaction

Fan chatter splits along predictable lines. Roma supporters are buzzing about a stylistic match, calling Zirkzee the missing link who frees Dybala to pick passes rather than wrestle center-backs. Some point to his Serie A comfort as a low-adaptation play, a big deal in a short window. United fans are more cautious. A few argue he should stay through the season, citing the need for depth alongside Rasmus Hojlund. Others ask who replaces him if he leaves now, noting the club’s thin striker pool. There’s also skepticism about a January exit, with several insisting a summer move is likelier.

Still, what stands out is the respect for Zirkzee’s upside. Even among those who want him to remain at Old Trafford, there’s a sense that Roma is a soft-landing role with runway to lead the line. A small pocket of fans question the obligation-to-buy mechanism, but most accept it as the only way Roma can compete for a Premier League-owned asset mid-season. On balance, the mood tilts positive for Roma and pragmatic for United: make the deal if the numbers and timing are right.

Social reactions

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Jo Zhu Kennedy (@jozhukennedy)

Even if he’s gonna leave,he’s not gonna leave in January.

weirdo. (@23_weirdoooo)

No chance now not unless it’s a full sale for profit

Amar (@AmarVijh999)

Prediction

If Roma secure the obligation at a fee aligned with United’s valuation - likely structured over multiple installments with achievable performance add-ons - the deal can be wrapped swiftly. Expect medicals and paperwork to be staged to allow immediate integration, with De Rossi giving Zirkzee 20-30 minute cameos before starting him once match rhythm is back. The tactical bedding-in will be smooth: Zirkzee drops in the left half-space to link with the No10, while the far-side winger attacks the back post. Dybala benefits first, then the fullbacks as lanes open.

United will only approve if they are comfortable with depth. A recall clause for a loaned forward or short-term backup could be explored. If that hurdle is cleared, Roma get their guy now instead of risking an auction in June. Alternative scenarios: delay to summer if United stall, or Roma pivot to a cheaper stopgap. However, momentum, fit and the player’s Serie A track record point to Rome. My read after speaking to contacts on both sides: high chance of completion this window if the obligation is binding and front-loaded enough.

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Conclusion

All the signals align. Roma need a connector-finisher, Zirkzee wants minutes that match his skill set, and the loan-with-obligation tool fits both clubs’ reality. United can protect value and tidy their forward puzzle, Roma gain a striker who upgrades them on day one. The fit is football-first: progressive hold-up, tidy in traffic, brave with his back to goal, and calm in the box. De Rossi gets the fulcrum he has been missing and the dressing room gets a confident 23-year-old who has already proved he can handle Serie A tempo.

Deals like this hinge on timing and structure. If Roma lock the obligation and give United clarity on cash flow and immediate cover, the green light follows. Expect quick-onboarding minutes and a role that scales fast. It feels like one of those transfers that looks obvious in hindsight. Right player, right system, right league. Roma are pushing - and this one has the legs to cross the line.