Joshua Zirkzee plots Man United exit as top European club open talks
Joshua Zirkzee has been left on the fringes at Man United but could soon make the move to a big European side who have made contact ahead of the January window.
Joshua Zirkzee joined Man United from Bologna in 2024 but massively struggled to make his mark in his maiden campaign amid the club’s struggles under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
The striker netted just seven goals in 49 appearances last term, while he only managed to make 14 league starts as United finished in a lowly 15th position.
Talk of him possibly being set to depart in the summer window after just a year with the Red Devils was rife, with Football Insider revealing that Inter Milan were lining up a swoop for Zirkzee.
He stuck around at Old Trafford despite the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but a lack of game-time has led Football Insider to reveal that Zirkzee wants to leave in January, and he could be line for a return to Italian football.
Roma make first contact with Man United for Zirkzee loan
The 24-year-old has only played 82 minutes of Premier League football so far in 2025-26, with no goals or assists in his five appearances across league and cup.
According to a new report from talkSPORT, Serie A giants Roma are leading the race to sign Zirkzee, and some “initial contact” has taken place between the two clubs ahead of a potential January swoop.
It is believed that the Netherlands international is “actively exploring” his options for a move in the new year as he looks to boost his chances of going to the 2026 World Cup.
The report also states that Zirkzee is set to hold formal talks with United over his future in November, but there is “no guarantee” that the Red Devils sanction a loan as Amorim still values his attributes as a squad player.
Zirkzee is also being targeted by Premier League sides
Zirkzee has failed to impress in the Premier League so far, but has shown glimpses of his talent at times and clearly has what it takes to be a decent forward in a top league going forward.
Football Insider have recently revealed that Everton and West Ham are both interested in moves for Zirkzee in January as they each aim to add more depth up-front for the second-half of the campaign.
talkSPORT have claimed that he is understood to be open to staying in the Premier League if he is allowed to leave Old Trafford, while PSV Eindhoven also continue to hold an interest.
The strong form of both Mbeumo and Cunha seems set to keep him out of Amorim’s side for the foreseeable future, while Benjamin Sesko has looked increasingly at home since his summer move from RB Leipzig.
As a result, it would certainly not come as a shock to see Zirkzee seal a loan exit from United soon, and a return to Serie A would surely appeal considering his previously impressive form at Bologna.