Joshua Zirkzee’s move to AS Roma in January is now well on its way to being completed, with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the deal is effectively “completed” with only the final stages of negotiations remaining between the two clubs.
The Dutch forward is expected to leave Manchester United in search of regular appearances, with Roma identifying him as a key addition for the second half of the Serie A season.
Roma see Zirkzee as a direct replacement for Evan Ferguson, whose loan spell from Brighton & Hove Albion could end next month.
With Ferguson struggling for consistency and fitness, Roma’s leadership moved quickly to secure an immediate alternative option in attack.
Joshua Zirkzee wants to play more this season
Zirksee’s situation at Man United this season is far from ideal. The 23-year-old has struggled to find playing time, scoring just one goal in 11 competitive games, his goal coming in a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace last month.
Despite showing flashes of talent, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter due to intense competition up front for United.
Under United manager Ruben Amorim, the tactical preference was towards Benjamin Šeško as the central figure in attack.
This further narrowed Zirksee’s chances and caused the Dutchman to reconsider his options with an eye on his international future.
With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Zirksee will be looking to secure consistent playing time to improve his chances of representing the Netherlands. A move to Roma offers just that.
Manchester United star also has experience in Serie A
Importantly, the forward already has experience in Serie A and impressed during his time at Bologna.
His familiarity with Italian football is a big factor in Roma’s confidence in this signing.
Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to add depth and variety to his attacking options as the club aims to mount a strong title challenge in the second half of the season.
Gasperini believes Zirksee’s ability to drop deep and link up with the midfielders to create space for other players can add a new dimension to Roma’s forward play.
For Zirksee, this is an opportunity to return to his old league and remind Europe of the talent that once made him one of Serie A’s most talked about young forwards.
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