Joshua Zirkzee Nears Exit from Manchester United to Fiorentina
Joshua Zirkzee is edging towards the Old Trafford exit, and the message from Manchester United could hardly be clearer.
The Dutch forward has reportedly agreed personal terms with Fiorentina, a move that would drag him out of the cold after months on the fringes under Michael Carrick. At 25, he has slipped to the margins of United’s attack, and the new season has underlined his status in unforgiving fashion.
Benched and sidelined
Carrick’s first big call of the Premier League campaign spoke volumes. United chased a goal that never arrived against Hull City on the opening day, yet Zirkzee stayed rooted to the bench. No late cameo. No lifeline.
That omission, on top of a difficult spell since the manager’s appointment in January, has driven home a simple truth to the player: he is no longer part of United’s plans. The versatile forward now knows that another year in Manchester likely means another year as a spectator.
So he is ready to move.
Italy calls again
Serie A has never really stopped calling Zirkzee’s name. His work at Bologna earned him admirers across Italy, and links with a return have lingered for years. Juventus and Napoli were long viewed as the natural landing spots if he went back.
Yet the picture has shifted.
Fiorentina have surged to the front of the queue and are now strong favourites to land the Netherlands international. The club are closing in on the sale of Moise Kean to Como, a deal that would open up space in Fabio Grosso’s squad for a new striker.
Fabio Paratici, Fiorentina’s sporting director and a familiar operator from his Tottenham days, has moved decisively. According to Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina, the Tuscan side have reached an agreement with Zirkzee on personal terms.
One major hurdle remains. Fiorentina still have to find common ground with Manchester United on a transfer fee and structure before Tuesday’s deadline.
United’s striker puzzle
If the deal goes through, United cannot afford to stand still.
The club would need to source a replacement quickly, with the clock already ticking on the summer window. They are not expected to throw huge money at a back-up option, especially with Benjamin Sesko installed as the first-choice centre-forward.
That narrows the field.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as one possible answer. The 29-year-old offers Premier League experience and a physical presence, but Crystal Palace are still holding out for a significant fee despite his contract running down.
Alexander Sorloth, 30, presents a different route. At Atletico Madrid he has slipped down the pecking order, even though his reputation remains strong. That status as an afterthought in Spain could make him a more realistic and affordable target for United.
As Fiorentina push to close the Zirkzee deal before the window slams shut, the pressure swings back to Old Trafford. Do United move decisively for a new deputy to Sesko, or risk walking into the heart of the season one striker light?
