Fiorentina Eyeing Joshua Zirkzee as Moise Kean Replacement
Fiorentina have joined the chase for Joshua Zirkzee as they brace for Moise Kean’s departure and the hole it will leave at the top of their attack.
Kean is closing in on a move to Como, a deal described as imminent, and La Viola know they cannot let the window close without a direct replacement lined up. The search has quickly narrowed to two names: Beto and Zirkzee. One is the sensible option. The other is the ambitious one.
Zirkzee the preferred choice – but at a premium
Inside the Fiorentina hierarchy, Zirkzee is viewed as the preferred target. The Dutch forward, now at Manchester United after his move to England in 2024, offers a broader technical palette and a higher ceiling than Beto. That’s the attraction.
The problem is the price.
Reports relayed by Sport Witness state that United are demanding in the region of £25–30 million for Zirkzee. For Fiorentina, that figure is significant, especially when Beto is expected to be available for around £21.4–25m and on far lower wages.
On paper, Beto brings more proven output in England. The 28-year-old has produced 20 goals and one assist in 98 Premier League appearances. Zirkzee, three years younger, has managed five goals and three assists in 56 games since arriving in the Premier League in 2024. The contrast is stark: one is established, the other still more promise than production.
That gap, combined with the financial demands, could yet push Fiorentina towards the more economical choice.
A striker waiting for clarity
Zirkzee’s own situation at United is adding fuel to the speculation.
Michael Carrick left the attacker out of the squad for United’s season-opener away to Hull City last Saturday. One decision, one match, but it sharpened the questions around his role and future at Old Trafford.
The forward has already endured a heavily reduced role over the past year, a frustration compounded by United’s absence from European competition and their early exits from domestic cups. There simply haven’t been enough minutes to go around.
Champions League qualification this season changes the landscape slightly. More games, more rotation, more chances. Yet even that comes with a caveat. Marcus Rashford has been reintegrated and can play across the frontline, crowding the positions Zirkzee might hope to claim. Any path to regular starts still looks crowded.
For now, Zirkzee is waiting. Concrete proposals, not just interest, will decide his next move.
Juventus lurking in the background
Fiorentina’s calculations do not stop at money. They also know they are not alone.
Juventus are keen to bring Zirkzee back to Serie A after his impressive two-year spell with Bologna, where he established himself as one of the league’s most intriguing young forwards. Crucially, he has already informed the Turin club that he would be open to joining them.
That knowledge changes the dynamic. Fiorentina are weighing a sizeable outlay on a player who not only costs more than their alternative but also has a clear admirer with deeper pockets and stronger recent pedigree in the same league.
La Viola want a statement signing to replace Kean. United want their price. Juventus want a familiar face back in Italy. Zirkzee wants minutes and a clear role.
Something will have to give before the window shuts.
