Joshua Zirkzee tells Roma his transfer plan after Ruben Amorim’s sack | OneFootball

AS Roma retain interest in signing Joshua Zirkzee this month – and the Manchester United forward’s reaction to a move to the Italian capital has been revealed in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

A Second Chance

Zirkzee, 24, has struggled to adapt to the intensity of English football since arriving from Bologna in 2024.

United agreed to pay £35.6 million for the Netherlands international, despite his release clause being £34.4m, in order to secure more favourable payment terms.

There was logic to the signing with the squad needing a versatile centre-forward to compliment as much as replace Rasmus Hojlund.

Zirkzee had just inspired Bologna to Champions League qualification, winning Serie A’s Young Player of the Year award, and the price was a fair one for a footballer yet to enter his prime.

But theory rarely translates to practice, particularly at Old Trafford, and the Dutchman’s lackadaisical approach – combined with an inability to utilise his imposing 6’4 frame – has frustrated fans and coaches alike.

Nine goals and four assists across 63 appearances for the Red Devils tells its own story – as does the fact that his partner in crime, Hojlund, has left the club to return to Italy in this time.

Zirkzee was strongly linked with his own move back to Serie A, where his reputation remains intact, with Roma looking to sign the forward in January.

Amorim has rarely used Zirkzee this season, even with mounting absences in the forward positions. With the prospect of the World Cup on the horizon next summer, the Dutchman was keen to pursue an exit in order to secure more first-team opportunities.

This strengthened I Giallorossi’s resolve that a deal could be struck, with an offer extended through intermediaries over a loan with an obligation to buy.

But Amorim’s unexpected dismissal has thrown Old Trafford into a state of chaos – and the context which existed last month no longer applies in January.

There has been suggestion that Zirkzee, along with fellow outcast Kobbie Mainoo, could be potential beneficiaries from the Portuguese coach’s departure, with the prospect of more minutes in a system that better suits their skillsets.

Zirkzee Is Unwavering

A new report by TEAMtalk reveals Zirkzee remains intent on leaving United this month – and his representatives have informed Roma officials as such.

“Roma are making a fresh push for Zirkzee and are planning fresh talks to secure his signature after it emerged their move for Atletico Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori had stalled.

“Roma want to bring in both Zirkzee as a new centre forward and Raspadori to play off the left wing…however, that will not detract from their efforts to also sign Zirkzee and, despite Amorim’s departure and amid claims in the Daily Mail that Zirkzee could be given an Old Trafford lifeline, we’ve been informed that the player’s camp have made it known to Roma that the player still wants to seal a move to the Eternal City.

“As a result, we are told that Roma are expected to make a fresh approach for Zirkzee in the coming days.”

United’s position on Zirkzee’s future has always been closely tied to the African Cup of Nations, where Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are both competing, with the tournament finishing in mid-January.

The club will not counter the 24-year-old’s exit before his attacking teammates return, but may be open to his departure if a suitable replacement can be sourced in the second half of the window.

Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images

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