Return to Serie A! Roma has reached an agreement with Manchester United for the loan plus purchase option of Zirkzee's transfer.

Manchester United has truly become a black hole for forwards. This season, many of United's attackers have been sidelined: Sancho was loaned to Aston Villa, Rashford and Antony found new life in La Liga, and even Zirkzee, who stayed at the club this season, has struggled for playing time. With the World Cup next year, Zirkzee hopes to play for the Netherlands at the 2026 USA-Mexico-Canada World Cup, on the condition that he becomes a regular starter in a top European league. Hence, the player desires to return to the Serie A, where he is familiar and excels.

According to the latest reports from the Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United has accepted Roma'swinter transfer deal involving a six-month loan with a conditional purchase clause (triggering a buyout fee of 30 million euros), but the player must leave after the Africa Cup of Nations..

Roma currently sit fourth in Serie A and are fighting for a Champions League spot. Roma's sporting director Massara has accelerated the process to bring Zirkzee on loan this winter. The player is eager to join Roma and return to Serie A to get more game time. Although AC Milan is also interested in Zirkzee, the player prefers the younger, more aggressive playing style of Roma. Gasperini is a key factor attracting Zirkzee to choose Roma!

Manchester United signed Zirkzee from Bologna in Serie A for 42.5 million euros in the summer 2024 window. However, this technically skilled but somewhat slow Dutch forward does not fit well with the fast-paced, physically demanding Premier League. His stats at United stand at 59 appearances with 8 goals and 3 assists. Returning to the slower-paced Serie A will be a more practical choice for Zirkzee to quickly gain playing time and regain form.

A change of environment can revive a player; hopefully, Zirkzee’s path at Roma leads straight to the 2026 World Cup in North America!