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Manchester United have rejected AS Roma’s loan approach for striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the Premier League club demanding only a permanent transfer for the Netherlands international who has struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim this season.
Manchester United Turn Down Roma Loan Offer for Joshua Zirkzee
Roma were keen to sign the 24-year-old striker on loan in January with an option to buy at the end of the season, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Italian club’s proposal was structured as a loan-to-buy deal, with the obligation to purchase triggered only if Roma secured Champions League qualification for next season.
Zirkzee has found opportunities limited at Old Trafford this campaign, featuring in just eight matches across all competitions under Amorim. The Dutch forward has fallen down the pecking order behind Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, who both joined United in the summer transfer window.
United executives were reportedly unimpressed by the conditional nature of Roma’s offer and informed the Serie A side they would only entertain bids guaranteeing a permanent move. The club are reluctant to sanction a cut-price or conditional departure despite Zirkzee’s limited impact since his arrival from Bologna last year.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini views Zirkzee as an ideal addition to elevate their attack, with the striker having previous successful experience in Serie A where he scored 12 goals for Bologna. However, United’s stance means any potential January move would require a significant permanent offer rather than the loan structure Roma initially proposed.
Zirkzee’s potential sale would help offset United’s reported January spending plans, with the club targeting a new midfielder according to the report. Despite the striker’s struggles adapting to the Premier League and limited minutes under Amorim’s tactical system, United still believe he retains significant potential.
