Dutch striker Josip Zirkzee’s situation at Manchester United is growing increasingly difficult – with minimal playing time (even less than last season), he has become dissatisfied and is considering a return to Serie A, where he previously enjoyed the best season of his career. Currently, AS Roma and Como 1907 are competing for the striker; the former can only offer a loan due to financial constraints, while the latter has the funds to buy him outright.
Zirkzee once had a career highlight at Bologna, and now that he’s struggling, Serie A has become his priority to "regain form" – a choice that may also be influenced by the past decisions of players like Rasmus Højlund and Scott McTominay. For Roma, manager Gian Piero Gasperini was already not fully satisfied with Artem Dovbyk (who was nearly sold in the summer window), and with the need to compete in both the league and the Europa League, the urgency to sign a striker in the winter window is high; however, due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, Roma can only pursue Zirkzee on loan.
On the other hand, although Como has no European competition qualification, it is deeply determined to sign Zirkzee and has strong financial resources: the club has the ability to buy the player’s ownership outright and is currently seriously advancing this plan. Additionally, besides the two Serie A teams, a number of Premier League clubs are also monitoring Zirkzee, hoping to sign him in the winter transfer window.
