Joshua Zirkzee Set for Fiorentina Move Amid Manchester United Exit

Joshua Zirkzee is edging towards the Old Trafford exit, with Fiorentina now in pole position to rescue the sidelined Manchester United striker from his stagnating spell in England.

The 25-year-old has found himself frozen out since Michael Carrick took charge in January. Any lingering doubts over his status vanished on the opening day of the Premier League season, when Carrick left him rooted to the bench against Hull City despite United chasing a goal that never arrived. The message landed. Hard.

Fiorentina move gathers pace

Zirkzee has finally accepted what recent months have been spelling out: he is no longer part of United’s plans. Determined not to endure another season as a luxury substitute, the Dutch forward has opened the door to a move, with Serie A – where his stock remains high after his exploits at Bologna – calling again.

For a long time, Juventus and Napoli were tipped as his likeliest Italian suitors. That picture has shifted. Fiorentina have surged to the front of the queue.

The Viola are closing in on the sale of Moise Kean to Como, a deal that has been brewing for months and would clear space in Fabio Grosso’s attack. With that domino about to fall, sporting director Fabio Paratici is pushing to bring in Zirkzee as the next piece of the puzzle.

According to Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina, Fiorentina have reached an agreement with Zirkzee on personal terms. Wages and contract length are understood to be settled, leaving one major obstacle: a deal with Manchester United before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The structure of the transfer and the fee remain under wraps, but the direction of travel is obvious. Zirkzee wants out. Fiorentina want him in. Time is the only real opponent now.

United’s striker dilemma

If the move goes through, United will have a fresh headache. They cannot simply wave Zirkzee off without a plan, yet they are operating late in the window and under clear constraints.

Benjamin Sesko is the first-choice centre-forward. Any new arrival will know he is coming in as back-up, and United are reluctant to commit a major fee to a player destined for a supporting role.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as one option. The 29-year-old Crystal Palace striker fits the profile of a physically robust alternative, but Palace are still demanding a sizeable fee despite his contract running down. That stance has complicated talks and made United wary of overpaying for a short-term fix.

Alexander Sorloth offers a different route. At 30, the Norwegian is seen as more attainable, with his situation at Atletico Madrid far from secure despite his strong reputation. If Atletico are open to letting him go at a reasonable price, United could move quickly.

The clock is ticking. Zirkzee’s future appears to be heading towards Florence. United now have just days to decide who will stand behind Sesko when the season’s defining moments arrive.