-
News
- 32 minutes ago
Joshua Zirkzee faces €90m PROBLEM as Man Utd transfer in danger
Tom Weber
- Updated: 20 Oct 2025 17:03 BST
- 5 min read
News
AS Roma are interested in signing wantaway Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, but a transfer to Italy's capital is in doubt due to the club's breaches of UEFA's financial regulations.
The Netherlands international is looking to leave Old Trafford in January in a bid to salvage his World Cup dream. Zirkzee's lack of game time under Ruben Amorim has seen him lose his place in the Dutch team.
The 24-year-old is said to have been left 'in disbelief' by Amorim's treatment of him. Despite the signing of Benjamin Sesko in the summer, Zirkzee expected to see significant minutes this season.
Current ETV
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€33.3M - €40.7M
However, he remains nothing more than a squad player, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon, prompting his desire for a new challenge. A return to Serie A, where he previously starred with Bologna, is the most likely outcome.
Among the clubs said to be interested in the Dutchman are AS Roma, who are looking for a striker in the mould of Zirkzee. New manager Gian Piero Gasperini was already a fan of the versatile attacker during his time in charge of Atalanta.
Roma sweating over January deals
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee is at the top of Gasperini's shortlist of January targets. The 67-year-old is said to be unhappy with his current attacking options and wants reinforcements.
However, there is major uncertainty over this deal, or any January deal for that matter. That is because Roma stand accused of having breached UEFA's new Squad Cost Ratio rule and are expected to incur a financial penalty.
It was recently revealed that the Giallorossi have a €90 million hole in their finances, which they need to make up by 30 June of this year. This can be done through player sales and by securing new sponsorships.
Whether they will be able to do it remains to be seen, but it means that they are wary of making January signings. A loan deal for Zirkzee has been touted as a 'market opportunity' as they would only have to pay half a season's worth of wages, but it is unclear if Man Utd would play ball.
As such, there is major uncertainty over whether they could sign the forward in January.
What clubs are interested in Zirkzee?
In addition to Roma, Zirkzee has also been linked with various other Serie A clubs due to his previous exploits at Bologna. Como, who are trying to build a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League, are said to be his most persistent suitors.
Spearheaded by Cesc Fabregas and equipped with seemingly limitless funds from Indonesia, the Serie A upstarts are looking to assemble a team that plays exciting football to help the club become a "premium tourism destination" on Lake Como.
Zirkzee fits the profile of player Fabregas wants in his team, and they certainly wouldn't have any issues affording the striker. Como have amassed the biggest net spend in Serie A over the past two seasons, although that may yet cause some issues with UEFA's spending rules.
AC Milan were interested in Zirkzee before he joined Man Utd. At the time, it was claimed that the Dutchman had actually preferred a move to the Rossoneri, but his transfer collapsed due to his agent allegedly demanding an exorbitant commission.
Because of this and the player's subsequent struggles at Man Utd, Zirkzee's representative has received plenty of flak from Italy and the Netherlands.
Inter Milan and Napoli have also been credited with tentative interest in Zirkzee, but both strengthened their attack with players in the summer, leaving them well-stocked heading into January.
What is UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio rule?
UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio rule, which Roma are said to have breached, stipulates that clubs can only spend 70 per cent of their revenue on their personnel. The limit has been gradually reduced in recent seasons to ensure the financial sustainability of clubs competing in UEFA competitions.
UEFA has enforced its rules more stringently than, for example, the Premier League. Chelsea and Aston Villa have managed to avoid domestic breaches by selling their women's teams, but UEFA does not accept such financial manoeuvring, leading to sanctions for both.
The Premier League is planning to replace its Profitability and Sustainability Rule with a similar financial regulation in the future to bring it more in line with UEFA.
Football transfer news headlines today
Which football managers have been sacked this season?
What are the most expensive transfers of all time? The 50 highest fees in history
What are the most expensive women’s football transfers of all time? The 50 highest fees in history
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
