Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee would be the ideal signing for Serie A side Roma as he looks to make a push for a World Cup spot for Netherlands in the United States
Joshua Zirkzee has been described as an ideal signing for Roma in January. The Italian side are just one of a flurry of teams lining up to make a move for the Manchester United forward in the next transfer window.
The Dutchman, who signed for United in a £37million deal from Bologna in 2024, has failed to earn significant playing time under Ruben Amorim. Zirkzee has played just 82 Premier League minutes this season and has not started a game.
The 24-year-old is said to want to move to improve his playing time to aid his chances of earning a spot in the Netherlands World Cup squad next summer. An exit is not nailed on, however, with United already set to lose Bryan Mbeumo to AFCON.
That may not deter suitors, with West Ham evaluating the forward, as Niclas Fullkrug is eyeing a return to the Bundesliga. Everton too, are in the market for a striker with Zirkzee on their shortlist alongside Ivan Toney.
David Moyes is said to be chasing a different profile of forward to Beto and Thierno Barry. The Toffees are likely to face stiff competition from Italy with clubs hoping to facilitate a return to the country for Zirkzee.
Napoli and Juventus have previously been linked with an attempt to land Zirkzee, while Roma are also said to be interested. Gian Piero Gasperini is currently without centre-forward Artem Dovbyk until early 2026 and attacking stars Paulo Dybala, Leon Bailey and Evan Ferguson are also carrying issues
On-loan star Ferguson has yet to find the net with Roma, and it has been suggested he could return to Brighton, as Roma look to the January transfer window. Former Serie A striker Jeda, reckons a deal for Zirkzee could offer an exciting prospect for all parties involved.
“Zirkzee would be the ideal forward for Gasperini’s Roma, because he has good feet, strong technique, and manages to attack the space,” Jeda told Retesport.
“Dovbyk could be regenerated under Gasp, who was working on his fitness levels and his movements. However, if there are two strikers who are struggling to score, then you need to look around and find someone more suited to the role.”
Speaking on where Zirkzee could make an impact, Jeda explained Roma's struggles, despite sitting second in Serie A and level on points with table-toppers Inter Milan.
“They played most of the game in the Milan half, but didn’t attack the space enough to really do damage," he said. "Gasperini wants his forwards to combine with their teammates, be quick and intense in the movement, have first touch passes to open up the space for the wingers to come in.”