Manchester United Consider Roma's Loan-to-Buy Offer for Out-of-Favour Joshua Zirkzee

‎AS Roma are accelerating their January transfer pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee, building a proposal designed to fit UEFA winter regulations and persuade Manchester United to approve a mid-season exit. The Serie A leaders have structured a loan with an obligation to buy, giving them the flexibility to delay payment until the summer after receiving the striker’s approval for the move.

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‎Roma intensify efforts to sign Joshua Zirkzee with a loan-plus-obligation proposal as Manchester United assess their January transfer options.

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‎Reports in Italy indicate that Roma have increased their efforts to sign the Manchester United forward, who is seeking a January departure due to limited playing time under Ruben Amorim. The Dutch striker made his first Premier League start of the season in the defeat to Everton, but his overall involvement has remained minimal after several months on the fringes. His pursuit of consistent minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup has positioned Roma as the club willing to offer a leading role.

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‎Corriere dello Sport reported that Zirkzee has already given the green light to joining Roma, and concerns involving agent commissions were later dismissed. Roma then refined their strategy to align with UEFA’s financial rules that restrict permanent winter purchases above certain thresholds. Their updated plan focuses on a loan agreement with a delayed obligation to buy, allowing the transfer fee to be settled once the season concludes.

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‎Manchester United are open to selling Zirkzee but initially preferred a permanent sale in January after investing £36.5 million to sign him from Bologna in 2024. His reduced playing time and the approaching transfer window have increased the likelihood that the club will consider Roma’s loan-plus-obligation structure, which guarantees a future sale and enables Roma to manage expenditure based on summer budget clarity.

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‎Zirkzee’s difficult season at Old Trafford has contributed to the club’s internal debate over his future. The striker has made only 172 Premier League minutes and experienced four matchday omissions, featuring behind Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. His recent start came only due to injuries within the squad, reflecting his diminished role under Amorim.

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‎The situation impacts Zirkzee’s ambitions to strengthen his position for the Netherlands national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, making consistent minutes a critical factor. Manchester United are assessing the balance between squad depth needs during a period that includes AFCON absences for Amad Diallo and Mbeumo, and the player’s desire to move. The challenge for the club lies in maintaining short-term cover without risking a further decline in the striker’s transfer value.

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‎Roma’s proposed structure relies on postponing the €25–30 million payment until next summer to remain compliant with regulatory limits. Manchester United’s reluctance stems from their preference for an immediate sale, though the decreasing likelihood of increased playing time softens their stance. A loan with an obligation secures the fee and prevents further stagnation for the player.

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‎Zirkzee views Roma as an opportunity for regular minutes and a chance to work under Gasperini, revisiting a league where he previously impressed with Bologna. The move is positioned as a direct route toward regaining form and maintaining international relevance.

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‎Roma are now preparing to formalise their offer for Manchester United to evaluate against their second-half-of-season depth requirements. An obligation triggered by Champions League qualification or set automatically increases the chances of approval. Both clubs anticipate escalated discussions as January approaches, with timing, payment structure and guarantees forming the final negotiation points.

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‎The coming weeks will determine whether Zirkzee secures a return to Serie A or remains at Old Trafford until the summer. His intention to leave remains firm, and Roma are prepared to integrate him immediately if Manchester United authorise the move.