Manchester United are set to overhaul multiple positions in their squad as they gear up for a Champions League comeback following a two-year absence.
To finance this major restructuring, INEOS will need to take a tough stance on player departures, with several United players likely to be moved on.
Among those facing an uncertain future is Joshua Zirkzee, who has yet to find consistent form at Old Trafford since his £36.5 million transfer from Bologna in 2024.
The Dutch forward has shown flashes of his technical ability and intelligent link-up play, but he was initially brought in as a backup for Rasmus Hojlund.
Now 25, Zirkzee has struggled to justify that role, scoring only nine goals across two seasons, with just two goals coming in the current campaign.
Although the former Bayern Munich prospect reportedly wishes to remain at the club and silence his critics, INEOS are eager to move him on and aim to recover close to what they spent on him two summers ago.
The agent representing United’s No.11 has reportedly offered his client to both AS Roma and Juventus, with the Red Devils hoping that competition between the two Serie A sides might drive up his transfer value.
However, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are prepared to table an offer of only £22 million for the versatile Dutch attacker.
Roma have been long-time admirers of Zirkzee and are aware of Manchester United’s intent to clear out underperforming players, which may explain their modest valuation.
According to the Italian publication: “Long pursued and back in fashion. The connection between Roma and Joshua Zirkzee never truly materialised, but it’s fair to say it never fully ended either.
“After pursuing him strongly last January, the Manchester United forward could now return to the Giallorossi’s radar. Gian Piero Gasperini has once again expressed to Ryan Friedkin his desire to bring the Dutchman to Rome.
“Zirkzee’s current contract with United runs until 2029, and he could be available for around €20-25 million, especially after a disappointing season in which he scored just two goals in 25 appearances, playing 629 minutes and averaging 25.16 minutes per game. Some stories never truly end—they just take a detour before coming back.”
The Serie A side reportedly plan to deploy Zirkzee as a left-sided attacking midfielder, a role that does not currently feature in United’s tactical setup.
All eyes will now be on how INEOS respond if Roma’s formal offer arrives. Selling Joshua Zirkzee could be vital for United’s plans to bring in a more experienced backup option for Benjamin Sesko.
-
Eid-ul-Adha 2026 Wishes: Send these heart-touching messages to friends and relatives on Bakrid, reply will come immediately.

-
According to Manusmriti, is love marriage appropriate or not? Know the whole truth

-
Japan Foreign Minister Indulges In Filter Coffee, Gulab Jamun In India

-
27th or 28th May, when will Bakrid 2026 be celebrated? Know the exact date of Eid-ul-Azha and the importance of sacrifice

-
Railway Ministry approves the country’s first hydrogen train, know where it will start?
