Joshua Zirkzee found himself glued to the bench during Manchester United’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool this past Sunday. It’s been a bit of a tough season for him—so far, he’s only made one start in the Premier League. Naturally, whispers have started about a potential return to Italy.
Enter Gazzetta dello Sport, which recently reported that Zirkzee is sitting pretty at the top of AS Roma’s wishlist. Their manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, isn’t exactly thrilled with how his team’s offense is performing lately and is keen for fresh talent come January.
Joining Zirkzee on that coveted list are Union SG’s Promise David and Nice striker Terem Moffi. But here’s the catch: Roma is facing some serious pressure from Financial Fair Play regulations. They’re on track to be fined by UEFA for breaches in 2025, which means they have to tread carefully financially in 2026. This is why Gasperini is really pushing for new signings that can make an immediate impact—in short, they need guarantees.
Despite being part of a storied club like Manchester United, Zirkzee hasn’t enjoyed consistent playing time. Last season, he managed to score seven goals across all competitions, which isn’t too shabby. And prior to that, during his time at Bologna, he had an impressive tally of 12 goals in the 2023/24 season.
But here’s the rub: Roma seems to have some doubt about whether he can step right in and deliver the goods. Given their tight budget under the FFP constraints, they can’t afford to miss the mark on a new signing. So, while Zirkzee’s talent is undeniable, the team’s current financial scenario could complicate the possibility of his move.
As we look ahead to the January transfer window, the air is thick with possibilities. Let’s just hope that wherever he ends up, he finds the perfect stage to showcase his skills!
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