Man Utd double January deal for €100m-rated duo 'moving closer'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 29 Nov 2025 10:43 CST
• 3 min read

News

Confidence at AS Roma and Napoli is growing that Manchester United duo Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo will complete January moves, according to Italian media.

Both players are unhappy with life under Ruben Amorim and are hoping to be granted a January loan in a bid to get minutes in the tank ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Both Mainoo and Zirkzee have dropped down the pecking order of their respective countries and fear that they will miss out on FIFA's showpiece event next summer.

Mainoo, who still boasts an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €62.7 million despite his lack of minutes, has been fielding interest from various clubs, primarily reigning Serie A champions Napoli.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, who clocks in with an ETV of €36.1m, is keen on a move to current Serie A leaders Roma, although he too has been fielding interest from multiple suitors.

Optimism growing in Italy

So far, Man Utd have not opened the door to loan exits of these two players as Amorim does not want to be left shorthanded in the second half of the season.

However, reports in Italy suggest that optimism at Napoli and Roma, respectively, is growing. Il Mattino claims that Mainoo is desperate to join Napoli. He wants to emulate former teammate Scott McTominay and is aware that he would be guaranteed an important role.

As for Zirkzee, Gazzetta dello Sport asserts that he is 'moving closer' to the Italian capital. Ironically, the match against Friedkin-owned Everton on Monday has boosted the chances of Friedkin-owned Roma to secure the forward.

Afforded a rare start due to the absence of Benjamin Sesko, the Netherlands international failed to impress in what proved to be a dismal game for Man Utd as they lost 1-0 at home to a side playing with 10 men for most of the game.

Man Utd are beginning to open up to the possibility of sending Zirkzee out on loan. Roma are currently proposing a loan that would become permanent were they to qualify for the Champions League.

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