Fiorentina Targets Zirkzee as Kean Approaches Como Move
Fiorentina’s attacking plans are being ripped up and redrawn. With Moise Kean closing in on a move to Como, La Viola are scrambling for a replacement – and Joshua Zirkzee has moved near the top of their list.
Kean out, striker hunt on
Kean’s impending departure leaves a clear gap through the middle. Fiorentina want that filled before the window shuts, and quickly. Two names sit on the shortlist: Beto and Zirkzee. The hierarchy in Florence, though, clearly leans towards the Dutchman.
United’s demands test Fiorentina’s limits
Reports relayed by Sport Witness state that United are demanding around £25–30 million for Zirkzee. For Fiorentina, that figure is heavy. Potentially too heavy.
Beto, by contrast, is expected to be available for roughly £21.4–25m, and with significantly lower wage demands. On paper, the financial equation points in one direction, even if the sporting upside tempts in another.
The numbers on the pitch tell their own story. Beto, three years older than Zirkzee, has produced 20 goals and one assist in 98 Premier League appearances. Zirkzee, since arriving in England in 2024, has managed five goals and three assists in 56 games. The ceiling looks higher with the United forward, but the output so far is modest.
Zirkzee’s United frustration grows
The tension around his future only sharpened on the opening weekend. Michael Carrick left Zirkzee unused for United’s season-opener away to Hull City last Saturday, a decision that fed straight into the speculation over where he will be playing by the end of the window.
The forward has already endured a heavily reduced role for the past year. United’s absence from European competition and their early exits from the domestic cups only shrank his opportunities further.
Champions League qualification this season should, in theory, open more doors for squad players. Zirkzee, though, still faces a fierce battle for minutes, especially now Marcus Rashford has been fully reintegrated and can operate across the entire frontline.
Juventus lurking as Fiorentina weigh up the risk
Fiorentina’s calculations are not just about money. They also know they are not alone. Serie A rivals Juventus want to bring Zirkzee back to Italy after his two-year spell with Bologna, and the player has already informed the Turin club that he would be open to joining them.
So La Viola stand at a crossroads: stretch their budget to chase their preferred option, or move for the cheaper, more straightforward deal in Beto while a familiar rival circles for Zirkzee.
With Kean heading out and the clock ticking on the window, how bold are Fiorentina prepared to be?
