Roma Given €90m Transfer Boost As Joshua Zirkzee’s Likelihood Of January Transfer Increases
Roma's chances of landing Joshua Zirkzee have been increased owing to Manchester United's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi.
Ben Horlock
Updated on 13 November 2025
Roma have been handed a €90million transfer boost in their quest to land Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January.
Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to add more firepower to his ranks going into the second-half of the campaign. The Giallorossi head coach has overseen just 12 goals from his side in Serie A this season.
Nonetheless, Roma are joint-top of Italy’s elite after 11 matchdays. However, a vastly improved strike rate is required if Gasperini is to win the Scudetto come May.
Interestingly, their task could be made easier owing to United’s interest in Karim Adeyemi. The Red Devils are in talks with the Borussia Dortmund star’s agent with the possibility of a January move.
If that was to come to fruition, Zirkzee’s exit from Old Trafford would likely become a nailed-on certainty and Roma are ready to pounce.
🚨 JUST IN!
AS Roma has already made initial contact to sign Joshua Zirkzee on loan in January — the player is not willing to leave permanently, but is open to a loan move.
[@MatteMoretto] pic.twitter.com/tuzflyWBGK— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) November 12, 2025
Why Are Roma Interested In Joshua Zirkzee?
With Gian Piero Gasperini keen to end Roma’s scoring dilemma, the wily head coach believes Joshua Zirkzee can solve such issues in front of goal.
The Dutchman enjoyed his most successful years in Italy’s elite whilst employed by Bologna. During his spell with the Rossoblu, Zirkzee scored 14 times and provided nine assists across his two years at the Dall’Ara.
Not only is he proven in Serie A, the 24-year-old also boasts the experience and tactical know-how of the Italian game. Something of which Gasperini desperately seeks from a potential new forward.
Looking at his current crop of attackers, all have struggled so far. After Evan Ferguson scored four goals on his debut in pre-season, he has struggled badly since and is currently out injured.
Regular forwards Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala are also on the treatment table. Between the trio this season, they have netted just three times.
Therefore, the Roma boss is keen to get Zirkzee on board. It would only be on loan but that has the potential to turn permanent should the Dutchman flourish in the capital.
Will Joshua Zirkzee Leave Manchester United In January?
Former AC Milan star Ruud Gullit has urged Joshua Zirkzee to return to Serie A and it’s unlikely Manchester United will stand in his way.
In fact, Zirkzee is keen to leave as he wants more game time with the 2026 World Cup seven months away. His aspirations to quit Old Trafford could be made all the more easier in the coming weeks.
That is simply down to the fact that head coach Ruben Amorim is plotting a move for Karim Adeyemi. The explosive Borussia Dortmund attacker is the subject of a €90m bid.
United are keen to get the deal done in January but it’s unlikely that Dortmund will want to part with their star man in the middle of the season.
In reality, whether that deal comes off or not mid-campaign, Zirkzee still looks set to try a new venture. Roma aren’t the only interested party, though.
English Premier League clubs such as Everton and West Ham are also tracking Zirkzee. Competition will also be rife from clubs closer to home. AC Milan and Juventus are also monitoring his situation.
Can Roma Afford Joshua Zirkzee’s Salary?
According to sports journalist Matteo Moretto, affording Joshua Zirkzee’s salary could be an issue for Roma. The Dutchman currently earns around €120k per week at Manchester United.
Therefore, the Giallorossi would have to insist that the Red Devils cover a percentage of his wages were he to join on a loan deal in January.
It remains to be seen whether United would be happy to do so. Especially if they were to sign Karim Adeyemi. However, Ruben Amorim is looking to offload certain fringe players which could make it possible.
Serie A champions Napoli are interested in signing Kobbie Mainoo. The English midfielder has fallen down the pecking order under Amorim and he is expected to leave.
If the Adeyemi deal didn’t happen in January and other surplus players left, it gives Roma a much stronger chance of obtaining Zirkzee for the rest of the campaign.
Both club and player are open to the move. However, United will be the one who calls the shots.
Ben Horlock
Ben has a long standing devotion to Italian soccer and in particular, Serie A. Ben grew up watching legendary presenter James Richardson deliver the latest news and views with the daily papers and breakfast in hand. Not only does Ben follow Italy's top soccer division, he is an avid follower of all the major European leagues. Ben is an expert on all things Serie A and has produced a number of features and news articles for FootItalia as well as UK-based outlets such as HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport and Betfair. In the US, Ben has been published on ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
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