SBOTOP : Fiorentina Push to Bring Joshua Zirkzee Back to Serie A

Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United is once again attracting attention, with Fiorentina reportedly exploring a move to bring the Dutch forward back to Serie A.

The Italian club has opened discussions with Manchester United over a potential deal for Zirkzee, who is said to be positive about the possibility of returning to Italy.

According to BBC Sport, the two clubs are discussing a loan arrangement that would keep Zirkzee at Fiorentina until the end of the 2026/2027 season. The proposed agreement could also include an option for Fiorentina to sign him permanently in the summer of 2027.

No final agreement has been reached yet, but negotiations remain ongoing with the September 1 transfer deadline approaching.

Fiorentina Explore Loan Move for Zirkzee

Fiorentina’sinterest could give Zirkzee an opportunity to revive his career in Serie A.

The forward already knows Italian football well after spending time with Bologna before making his move to Manchester United in 2024.

The current discussions reportedly center on a season-long loan. Under the proposed structure, Zirkzee would spend the 2026/2027 campaign with Fiorentina before the Italian club potentially has the opportunity to make the move permanent.

The key points being discussed include:

• A loan move to Fiorentina.
• The loan would run until the end of the 2026/2027 season.
• Fiorentina could receive an option to buy Zirkzee in 2027.
• Negotiations between the clubs are still ongoing.
• Zirkzee is reportedly open to the possibility of returning to Italy.

For Fiorentina, the deal would provide an opportunity to add a forward with previous Serie A experience without immediately committing to a permanent transfer.

Zirkzee Has Struggled to Become a Regular at Man Utd

Zirkzee’s potential departure is closely linked to his difficulty establishing himself as a regular starter at Manchester United.

The Netherlands international joined United from Bologna in 2024 for a reported £36.5 million after being named Serie A’s Under-23 Player of the Season for 2023/2024.

However, his role at Old Trafford has not developed as expected.

Across 75 appearances over two seasons, Zirkzee has started only 27 times. His opportunities were particularly limited during the 2025/2026 campaign.

He made just five Premier League starts that season and finished the campaign with nine goals across all competitions for Manchester United.

Those numbers have contributed to speculation that Zirkzee could be one of the senior players United are most likely to move on.

A Difficult Start to the New Season

The uncertainty surrounding Zirkzee continued into the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.

He was not used in Manchester United’s opening match against Hull, with Carrick instead choosing to field 19-year-old Shea Lacey.

That decision further highlighted the competition for places in United’s attack.

For Zirkzee, regular playing time could become an important factor in deciding his next step. A move to Fiorentina would potentially give him a fresh environment and another opportunity to demonstrate the qualities that made him an attractive signing when he was at Bologna.

However, the transfer remains dependent on negotiations between Manchester United and Fiorentina.

Why Fiorentina Could Be an Interesting Option

A return to Serie A could make sense for Zirkzee given his previous experience in the Italian league.

His time at Bologna helped establish his reputation before Manchester United moved for him in 2024. Returning to Italy could therefore provide a familiar footballing environment as he looks to regain consistency.

For Fiorentina, the attraction is also clear. The club would have the opportunity to add an experienced forward to its squad while initially avoiding a permanent commitment.

The potential purchase option could then give Fiorentina time to assess Zirkzee over an entire season before deciding whether to complete a permanent transfer.

That makes the proposed structure potentially useful for both sides.

Zirkzee Situation Connected to Man Utd’s Squad Planning

Any decision regarding Zirkzee is also linked to Manchester United’s broader squad planning.

The club still has questions to answer in other areas, particularly at left-back.

United have previously considered continuing without signing a specialist player for that position and instead using members of the existing squad.

Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui could potentially switch from the right side to operate at left-back.

Another possibility could involve Carlos Baleba if Manchester United manage to sign the Brighton midfielder and choose to use him in that area.

Alejandro Balde has also been linked with United. However, the club would reportedly only pursue the Barcelona defender if a loan arrangement were possible.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have so far been open to a permanent sale rather than a temporary move.

Transfer Deadline Adds Pressure

With the transfer window scheduled to close on September 1, time is becoming increasingly important for all parties involved.

Manchester United need to decide how Zirkzee fits into their squad plans, while Fiorentina must determine whether the proposed loan structure works for them.

For Zirkzee, the decision could have a major impact on his playing opportunities during the 2026/2027 season.

The Dutchman remains under contract with Manchester United for another three years, meaning the club does not have to make a permanent sale.

A loan could instead provide a temporary solution while allowing United to assess the player’s situation again in the future.

A Possible Serie A Return Takes Shape

The prospect of Joshua Zirkzee returning to Serie A has now moved beyond simple speculation, with Fiorentina reportedly holding discussions with Manchester United.

The proposed loan deal could see the forward spend the 2026/2027 campaign in Italy, potentially followed by a permanent transfer if Fiorentina choose to activate an option in 2027.

However, no final agreement has been reached.

Zirkzee’s limited starting opportunities at Manchester United make the situation particularly interesting. After arriving from Bologna with a strong reputation, he has yet to establish himself as a first-choice attacking option at Old Trafford.

A return to Serie A could offer him another chance to find his best form and secure consistent playing time.

With the transfer deadline approaching, the coming days could determine whether Zirkzee remains at Manchester United or begins a new chapter with Fiorentina.