Serie A giants AS Roma are reportedly ready to end Leon Bailey’s loan spell midway through the 2025/26 season to make room for Manchester United attacker Joshua Zirkzee.
According to a report by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Joshua Zirkzee is the subject of interest from AS Roma. The Serie A title hopefuls are eager to reinforce their offensive unit by signing a versatile attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Manchester United forward has emerged as a target for the Giallorossi.
However, before signing Joshua Zirkzee, the Italian giants are eager to end Leon Bailey’s ill-fated loan stint. Intermediaries recently offered the Jamaican international to SL Benfica, but the Portuguese heavyweights rejected the proposal. So, the search for Bailey’s next club continues.
Leon Bailey has struggled to make his mark since joining AS Roma on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window. An injury shortly after his arrival has hampered the 28-year-old winger’s progress, and he has managed only 188 minutes of game time across seven appearances thus far for the Serie A title hopefuls.
On the other hand, Joshua Zirkzee has enjoyed a brief phase of resurgence in Benjamin Sesko’s absence. The versatile Dutch attacker has started the last four games for Manchester United, producing impressive performances in most outings. However, the Netherlands international’s long-term future at Manchester United remains uncertain.
The latest report has revealed that AS Roma will aim to end Leon Bailey’s loan stint midway through the 2025/26 season to make room for Joshua Zirkzee. The Serie A club’s interest in the Manchester United attacker makes sense. They are scouring the market for a versatile attacker heading into the winter transfer window, as Gian Piero Gasperini wants more firepower in the final third.
Zirkzee has thus emerged as AS Roma’s top target, with widespread reports claiming they have submitted an offer to sign the 24-year-old Dutchman from Manchester United. However, while the Serie A title hopefuls are ready to end their agreement with Aston Villa to make room for the Dutchman, a deal may not materialise.
Recent reports have claimed that a winter move is unlikely, and with Manchester United having a thin squad, convincing them to part ways with Zirkzee will be a tall order. Meanwhile, intermediaries offered Bailey to SL Benfica but received rejection. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the two attackers.
