Joshua Zirkzee will not be returning to Serie A in January after Roma’s director of football, Frederic Massara, said Manchester United have refused to approve a mid-season move. The Dutch forward has found it difficult to settle at Old Trafford and wants more consistent minutes. Roma had been exploring a deal, but Massara said United’s position has not changed.
Roma’s Massara Says Man United Flatly Refused January Zirkzee Move
Roma director of football Frederic Massara said Manchester United have shut down any chance of Joshua Zirkzee joining the Italian club in January. Speaking to Italian media, as relayed by GOAL, Massara confirmed United’s stance ahead of Roma’s 2-0 win over Torino, signalling the end of Roma’s pursuit well before the window reaches its later stages.
“Manchester United said no quite clearly a couple of weeks ago and they have not changed their minds,” Massara said. The comments make clear that Roma will not be able to take the Dutch forward back to Serie A this month, even as Zirkzee looks for a more defined role and regular playing time after a difficult start to his Old Trafford spell.
The report said Zirkzee has struggled to adapt in England after arriving with high expectations following a breakout season at Bologna. It added that limited opportunities, tactical inconsistencies under different managers and competition for starting places have contributed to a frustrating first half of the season, with the player’s desire to return to Serie A described as well-documented.
The report also linked Zirkzee’s situation to his international ambitions under Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With competition for attacking places including Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, Brian Brobbey and Donyell Malen, the report said Zirkzee is aware that limited minutes at United will not help, while Roma are now expected to explore other targets in Italy and abroad.
