Roma And Everton Chase Joshua Zirkzee: The Friedkin Complication Nobody Saw Coming
Roma and Everton are both owned by The Friedkin Group.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 30 December 2025
The Friedkin Group could face an awkward January choice as Roma will reportedly be up against Everton for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Roma and Everton could fight for Joshua Zirkzee in Friedkin face-off
Roma are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks in January and Zirkzee is among their top targets.
As previously reported by FootItalia, Roma have tabled an offer for the Manchester United striker.
Zirkzee is apparently keen on the move as the two clubs prepare to engage in talks over the transfer fee.
However, England’s The I have now reported that Everton are among the clubs eyeing a January move for Zirkzee.
The Friedkin Group completed their takeover of Everton in December 2024, putting both clubs under the same umbrella.
As a result, this creates some complications, with both Friedkin-owned groups reportedly fighting for the same player.
How Everton could ruin Roma plans for Zirkzee
Roma are hopeful of shaking hands for Zirkzee at €30m, while United want closer to €40m, according to reports.
There remains hope, however, that the two sides can reach a compromise over the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Everton are reportedly looking to make use of the loan market to secure reinforcements over the winter.
The I described it as ‘evolution in January before the summer revolution’.
Everton are closely monitoring the situation at Man United, focusing their attention on Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo.
🚨 Everton are considering loan moves to sign Manchester United’s 20-year-old England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and his team-mate and Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Both have struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim this season.
(Source: i Paper) pic.twitter.com/MZ5wOSNGfc
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 30, 2025
Both Red Devils talents have struggled to find consistent form at Old Trafford.
In terms of selling points, Roma can point to a defined tactical role and a direct return to Serie A, where Zirkzee made his name.
Meanwhile, Everton can offer a Premier League platform and the promise of starts amid a serious need for more firepower and goals.
For now, the decision rests with Man United’s willingness to sanction an exit.
Should the Red Devils give the green light, then it remains to be seen what the Friedkins decide to do.
Which Friedkin club would be the best fit for Zirkzee?
On balance, Roma feels like the better fit for Zirkzee, even if Everton might offer the opportunity for more starts and minutes.
Roma gives him something he has not consistently had at Manchester United: a defined role in a system built around movement and combinations.
He has already shown in Serie A that he can knit attacks together, bring runners into play and still arrive in the box.
There is also a comfort factor. A return to Italy reduces the adaptation risk, and Roma can sell a bigger stage and a more stable tactical identity.
Everton’s case is simpler and more immediate. They can offer starts, responsibility and a straight-line route to becoming the main striker.
However, that comes with higher pressure, a more direct style, and less margin for development performances.
If Zirkzee is thinking long-term and wants to rebuild his value, Roma looks the better environment.
If he wants to be the focal point straight away, Everton is the faster route, but it would likely be more of a challenge.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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