Joshua Zirkzee: January move to AS Roma hinges on this crucial factor | OneFootball

Manchester United have a tough call on their hands regarding the future of Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutchman is yet to start a single game this season, but with Benjamin Sesko now injured, Ruben Amorim might finally turn to him to play up top.

But as relayed by The Peoples Person, the head coach prefers a false nine system, which means the Dutchman could be forced to wait for longer.

AS Roma in pole position

Should opportunities continue to evade him, the Netherlands international is expected to jump ship in January as he looks to regain his place in the Dutch national team.

AS Roma remain in pole position, and are hoping to agree a loan deal with an option to buy. But there are stumbling blocks, most notably agent commissions as per Corriere dello Sport.

That was a major reason why the ex-Bayern Munich ace ended up joining United and not another Italian side last summer.

And while the Giallorossi are looking at including only an option to buy, INEOS will insist on an obligation. As an alternative, the Serie A giants are contemplating turning the option into an obligation provided they qualify for the Champions League. Currently, Roma are second in the table.

Agent fees a stumbling block

“Zirkzee knows and appreciates Serie A. And the idea of ​​returning to work with Gasperini certainly intrigues him . It’s not just a question of technique, but of prospects: he wants to play consistently, and above all, he wants to return to the forefront in the second half of the season to fuel his World Cup dream.

“That’s why he gave an initial yes, a convinced openness to a transfer that would allow him to get back on track. The sticking point, as increasingly often happens with these transfers, is the agents’ commissions . They are high and can complicate the outcome of a deal that for Roma should represent an opportunity and not create a problem.

“Now the operation enters the most delicate phase: Roma must sit down with Manchester United to reach an agreement before even focusing on the commissions. And this is where strategy comes into play. Massara knows it well: showing up and asking the English for a dry loan would be pointless.

“The plan is to propose a loan with an option to buy, an option that would allow the club to test the player’s impact while simultaneously keeping the door open for a permanent purchase.

Lot to figure out to agree January deal

“Manchester, however, will put up a wall. It’s predictable, almost obligatory. The English don’t want to lose control of the player’s contract and are aiming to include more binding conditions. And so Roma is preparing the second card: if necessary, they could arrive at a loan with an option to buy, tied to qualification for the Champions League.”

The United No.11 would love to play in Italy again, and Roma are serious about signing him. Now it is up to the agents and clubs to find a way forward.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social