In just two weeks, the European winter transfer window swings open.

Often seen as the “little brother” of the far busier summer window, January can be quieter—but in a World Cup year, clubs might act earlier to secure players who could boost their squads or increase in value.

Zirkzee’s fleeting minutes against Bournemouth

Few things are as clear in football as this: a strong World Cup performance can skyrocket a player’s market value. James Rodriguez in 2014 is a prime example. So, if a club genuinely wants a player, a January move can’t be ignored.

One player flying under the radar recently is Manchester United’s Dutch forward, Joshua Zirkzee.

Under Erik ten Hag, Zirkzee’s standing has fallen dramatically. In United’s recent 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, he wasn’t brought on until the 93rd minute—effectively, when the game was already decided. In those few minutes, he touched the ball just four times, completing two of three passes. For a striker eyeing a World Cup spot with the Netherlands, this lack of game time is a serious concern.

Struggling for impact at Old Trafford

Zirkzee’s time at Old Trafford has been frustrating. In 41 Premier League appearances over 17 months, he’s scored only four goals and provided one assist. His total playing time of 1,738 minutes equates to just over 19 full matches—barely one per month since joining Manchester United.

In domestic cups, his numbers are slightly better, with two goals in seven appearances. In the Europa League last season, he added two goals and one assist in 11 games. While eight goals and three assists across all competitions isn’t elite striker form, it hasn’t stopped Italian side AS Roma from showing interest.

Zirkzee keen on Roma

Recent reports from Italy suggest Roma have already met with United to discuss a January loan, with an obligation to buy next summer. Zirkzee himself would reportedly be eager to revive his career in Serie A, where he impressed during his time at Bologna, the club from which United signed him.

During his stint at Roma, Zirkzee scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 53 Serie A appearances—a solid one-in-four goals-to-games ratio. In the Coppa Italia, he also contributed three goal involvements in five matches.

The stumbling blocks

The main obstacle is United’s valuation. Signed for £36.5 million, the club still reportedly wants £35 million for him—far above what Roma currently seem willing to pay. Timing may also be an issue: Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants any deal wrapped up in the early days of the window.

Roma already have attacking talent in midfield and up front, including Artem Dovbyk, Matias Soule, Evan Ferguson, Paulo Dybala, Stephan El Shaarawy, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Leon Bailey. Yet together, these seven players have only eight goals and seven assists in Serie A so far, with only Dovbyk and Ferguson resembling the type of target man Zirkzee offers.

Despite scoring just 16 goals in 17 matches—the joint-lowest in Serie A—Roma sit fourth, just three points behind leaders Inter Milan. That speaks to Gasperini’s tactical acumen, and adding a striker who knows the net could take them even further this season.

Alternative targets include Fabio Silva, Yuri Alberto, and Beto if a deal for Zirkzee cannot be agreed. Gasperini is expected to move quickly if United insist on high demands.

Don’t miss the opportunity

Given Zirkzee’s situation and Roma’s needs, letting a deal slip through would be yet another missed opportunity for Manchester United. Negotiations in the next couple of weeks should aim for a solution that satisfies all parties—player, selling club, and buying club alike.