Zirkzee Eyeing Summer Exit: Samuel Luckhurst Reveals INEOS Blocked January Move to Roma
MANCHESTER — In a significant update on the future of Manchester United’s forward line, chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst has revealed that Joshua Zirkzee is preparing for a permanent exit from Old Trafford this summer.
Despite interest from Serie A giants AS Roma, the United hierarchy reportedly stepped in to block a January departure, with Ruben Amorim (prior to his exit) and the board concerned about squad depth during the African Cup of Nations and a mid-season injury crisis. Now, with the summer window on the horizon, the Dutch forward’s future has reached a “sell” status to fund the club’s next major tactical evolution.
The “Zirkzee Dilemma”: Why It Hasn’t Worked
Zirkzee joined United in a £36.5 million move from Bologna with high hopes of becoming a creative “nine-and-a-half.” However, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo has seen Zirkzee drop down the pecking order.
Limited Impact: Zirkzee has managed just two goals and one assist in 20 appearances this season, with 16 of those coming from the bench.
Stylistic Mismatch: While praised for his link-up play, the 24-year-old has struggled to adapt to the “shorter, sharper” intensity of the Premier League compared to his standout season in Italy.
The “Slot” Connection: Rumors suggest that Zirkzee is keen to return to a league where his technical ball-carrying skills are more prioritized, with Juventus and AC Milan also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Funding the “Left Wing Revolution”
According to Luckhurst, the decision to sell Zirkzee is purely strategic. United have identified the left-wing position as their “priority number one” for the summer of 2026. By offloading Zirkzee, the club hopes to recoup around £25m–£30m to offset the massive costs of their primary targets:
Yan Diomande (£86.5m): The RB Leipzig sensation who is currently the subject of a fierce bidding war with Liverpool.
Rafael Leão: The AC Milan star who remains on the “dream list” for the INEOS recruitment team.
Anthony Gordon: A Premier League-proven option who could provide the “frightening pace” Michael Carrick is looking for.
The “Hierarchy U-Turn”
The most interesting aspect of the report is the “U-turn” by the United board. In January, the doors were “firmly closed” on any exits to protect the interim manager’s chances of securing a Top 3 finish. However, with United currently sitting in 3rd place and a Champions League return looking likely, the focus has shifted toward “clearing the deck” for a world-class summer overhaul.
KEEP OR SELL? Is it time to let Zirkzee go to fund a world-class left winger, or does he deserve one more season under a permanent manager?
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