‎Man Utd and Roma Locked in Transfer Standoff Over Joshua Zirkzee Fee and Deal Structure

‎Manchester United and Roma remain in negotiations over the future of Joshua Zirkzee, with both clubs holding contrasting positions on valuation and deal structure. Roma have identified the Dutch forward as a January target, but talks have stalled due to financial differences and uncertainty over the terms of any agreement.

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Manchester United and Roma remain divided over Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer fee as talks focus on loans, obligations to buy, and valuation gaps.

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‎Joshua Zirkzee’s spell at Old Trafford has yet to meet expectations since his £36.5 million move from Bologna in the summer of 2024. Limited starting opportunities and a single goal across competitions have seen the 24-year-old fall down the attacking pecking order. Interest from Roma has grown as the Serie A club look to strengthen their forward line ahead of the second half of the season.

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‎Reports from Italy indicate a wide gap between Manchester United’s demands and Roma’s proposal. United are seeking either a permanent transfer or a structure that guarantees a future payment, with a valuation reported to be between €35 million and €40 million. Club officials are said to be reluctant to approve a straightforward loan that offers no long-term financial certainty.

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‎Roma have countered with a loan offer that includes an obligation to buy under specific conditions. The proposed structure reportedly involves a €5–7 million loan fee and a future purchase clause linked to performance targets, such as qualification for the Champions League. Sporting director Frederic Massara is said to have travelled to London to hold direct talks with United representatives and the player’s camp.

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‎Manchester United are understood to prefer either upfront payment or a guaranteed obligation to buy without performance-related clauses. Concerns remain within the club about asset depreciation and the absence of assured income under a conditional agreement.

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‎Zirkzee is reported to be open to a return to Serie A after finding it difficult to adapt to United’s tactical setup. Competition from Rasmus Højlund and other attacking options has restricted his involvement, limiting his chances to build consistency in the Premier League.

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‎Interest from West Ham and Leeds United has reportedly been turned down by the player, with sources indicating a clear preference for a move back to Italy. His previous success at Bologna has kept his reputation strong within Serie A circles.

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‎Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Zirkzee as a suitable fit for his attacking system, valuing his ability to combine goalscoring with link-up play. Roma’s search for attacking consistency has continued this season, with Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson yet to deliver regular returns.

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‎Contingency plans have already been prepared should talks with United fail to progress. Massara is reported to have shortlisted alternative targets, including Fabio Silva, as Roma remain cautious about the outcome of negotiations.

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‎Discussions are ongoing as both clubs assess their positions ahead of the January transfer window. The resolution of the talks will shape whether Zirkzee remains in Manchester or completes a return to Serie A.