Manchester United Raises Transfer Fee for Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United has struggled to make his mark since joining the club in the summer of 2024.

The striker moved from Bologna as a backup for Rasmus Hojlund, but neither player seems to have a future at Old Trafford.

Hojlund is currently on loan at Napoli in Serie A, with possible plans for a permanent transfer later this year, while AS Roma has expressed interest in Zirkzee.

Reports indicate that Roma is in regular discussions with Manchester United regarding a possible transfer, but there may be a significant hurdle for a deal in January.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, while Roma prefers a loan deal for the Dutch forward, United is aiming for a permanent transfer.

Additionally, Manchester United has reportedly raised their asking price for Zirkzee.

Last November, United was open to a loan as long as it included an option to buy priced between £22 million and £26 million (€25 million to €30 million).

Now, this figure is said to have increased to £39.5 million (€45 million), with the shift from an option to buy to an obligatory purchase clause.

Another complication for Roma is that United will not consider any moves until after the Africa Cup of Nations, anticipating the return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.

With these two players unavailable, United is limited in attacking options, and losing Zirkzee, despite his limited play this season, could be problematic if injuries arise.

Benjamin Sesko has just returned from a brief injury, prompting United to take a cautious approach.

Therefore, Roma will need to evaluate their willingness to agree to an obligatory buy clause and if they can wait until the end of January for a potential deal.