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Man Utd's 'hand forced' as talks open over 'high cost' January transfer
Suraj Radia
- 17 Dec 2025 14:17 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Manchester United have been told how much they can receive to cash in on one of their in-demand stars during the January transfer window after talks were held over his departure.
United are hoping to sign a midfielder during the winter window but they may be limited in how much they can spend unless they make sales, having spent more than €250 million on players during the summer.
While the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have attracted interest, United are exploring all options, albeit with the caveat that they would need to replace the players that leave.
Joshua Zirkzee is among those who may push to leave Old Trafford in January after struggling for game time this season and Corriere Dello Sport report that the Dutchman’s representatives held talks with Roma over a move last week.
Current ETV
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€32.4M - €39.6M
It is alleged that Roma plan to agree personal terms with Zirkzee’s agents first so that United’s hand will be forced into a deal, with a ‘high-cost’ loan fee of more than €5-6m expected to be offered alongside an obligation to buy in the summer.
However, Roma are keen to bring in a new striker as early as possible, while United would prefer to wait until later in the month after key players return from the African Cup of Nations, which could complicate the deal.
Man Utd likely to only consider permanent exit for Zirkzee
Zirkzee has played just 346 minutes of action in the Premier League this season, although the majority of his gametime has come in the last month following an injury to Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko has since returned to action but United will now be without Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for the next month as they head to AFCON, meaning Zirkzee could still be needed until their return.
Zirkzee had initially been ready to leave United due to his limited game time, particularly due to his hopes of being included in the Netherlands’ squad for the 2026 World Cup, but he is thought to be willing to fight for his place if given the chance.
Much will depend on Zirkzee’s performances in the coming weeks as well as what offers United receive for the 24-year-old, with a permanent sale likely to be the only way the club sanction the forward’s departure in January.
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