According to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Serie A newcomer Como is seriously considering purchasing a discarded Manchester United striker, Zirkzee, in January. After United signed three new forwards in the summer window, Zirkzee has had limited playing time and has yet to start a match in the first two months of the season. He is determined to push for a move during the winter window.
It is reported that Zirkzee is unhappy with how Ruben Amorim has treated him. Last year, during a match against Newcastle United, he was substituted off at halftime amid heavy boos. He worked hard to prove he was not a "nonentity," but now finds himself sidelined again. British media rumors suggest that the relationship between Zirkzee and Amorim has broken down, leaving only a purely professional connection between them.
Zirkzee is displeased with Amorim’s limited use of him this season, but outsiders find this understandable because the Dutch forward’s scoring ability is weak — he has scored only 7 goals in 53 games, with just 3 in the Premier League this year, making him unsuitable as a central striker. Playing as a number 10, he faces tough competition from Cunha, Mbemou, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, and Bruno Fernandes.
Zirkzee was recently excluded from the Dutch national team, with head coach Ronald Koeman clearly stating that the exclusion was due to insufficient playing time. Koeman said, "I think they (Brobbey and Zirkzee) simply can’t get on the pitch, and they also have injuries. If they end up playing more, they will remain options for our team. But we are also considering other candidates."
Because Manchester United lacks European competition qualification, Zirkzee’s chances of getting more playing time are slim, which may jeopardize his spot in the Dutch World Cup squad. Therefore, the 24-year-old Dutch international plans to leave during the winter transfer window. Serie A’s Roma is also interested; their new coach Gasperini is a fan of Zirkzee and tried to sign him while managing Atalanta.
However, due to Financial Fair Play regulations, Roma can only afford a loan deal. This might benefit Como, as they have a wealthy owner with strong financial backing. Thus, Fabregas’ club has the resources to bring in Zirkzee; they previously signed Varane from Manchester United. Como currently sits 9th in Serie A, just 3 points behind the European qualification zone, aiming to compete in European tournaments.
Returning to Serie A is the safest option for Zirkzee, who hopes to get his career back on track. Italian football suits his style well and offers stable playing opportunities. During his time at Bologna, Zirkzee reached the peak of his career. The revival of Hojlund in Serie A also serves as an example for Zirkzee.
Manchester United does not want to loan out Zirkzee; his weekly wage is under £100,000, so a loan deal is not financially beneficial and would mean losing a player. However, club executives might be willing to negotiate a permanent transfer. The club signed Zirkzee from Bologna for £42.5 million and now hopes to receive at least €40 million.
Como may not be able to meet such a high price; their record signing is Jesus Rodriguez for about €23 million. It is reported they are willing to offer around €30 million for Zirkzee’s transfer. Manchester United may request add-ons like performance-based bonuses or sell-on clauses to maximize their revenue.
After cashing in on Zirkzee, Manchester United could use the funds in the next transfer window to sign a defensive midfielder, such as Lucas Agoume from Sevilla in La Liga or Ruben Neves from Al Hilal in the Saudi Professional League.