In a surprising twist to the January transfer window, AS Roma’s pursuit of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been thrown into doubt following the sudden sacking of United manager Ruben Amorim.
The managerial upheaval at Old Trafford has prompted a significant re-evaluation of the proposed move, with Roma’s sporting director publicly acknowledging the changed landscape.
Ricky Massara, Roma’s sporting director, confirmed the club’s interest but admitted the situation has grown more complex. “He is a Manchester United centre-forward liked by many clubs, not just us,” Massara stated in an interview with Sky Sports Italy.
He pointed directly to the managerial change as a pivotal factor, adding, “Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management, there are no contacts in progress”. Despite the stalled talks, Massara emphasized Roma’s broader strategy, noting the January window is “an opportunity to reinforce the squad in an area where we have struggled to convert chances into goals”.
The 24-year-old Dutch striker, who joined United from Bologna in 2024 for a fee reported to be over £35 million, has struggled to secure a consistent starting role. Prior to Amorim’s dismissal, Zirkzee was reportedly open to a January exit to seek regular first-team football, with Roma, familiar with his successful prior stint in Serie A, emerging as a leading candidate.
However, sources indicate that Manchester United’s hierarchy is now concerned about squad depth and may be reluctant to sanction sales until a new manager assesses the team. This stance could also affect other players like Kobbie Mainoo, whose prospects at the club are now believed to have improved with Amorim’s departure.
Contradictory reports surround the player’s current stance. While some sources suggest Zirkzee could opt to stay and fight for his place under new leadership at United, others, including reports from TEAMtalk, indicate his desire to leave remains firm.
These reports claim Zirkzee’s representatives have informed Roma that he “still wants to seal a move to the Eternal City,” encouraging the club to plan a fresh approach in the coming days. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has also noted that contacts between Roma and the player’s camp continue, with a personal agreement already in place.
As Roma navigate this uncertainty, Massara confirmed the club is pursuing alternative targets, specifically mentioning ongoing “negotiations in progress” with Atletico Madrid for forward Giacomo Raspadori. The coming days will be critical as United’s temporary management, led by caretaker Darren Fletcher, settles in and clarifies its transfer policy.
The situation encapsulates how a single club’s internal crisis can ripple across the European transfer market, leaving a player’s future and a club’s recruitment plans suspended in anticipation of another’s next move.