Fiorentina have opened negotiations with Manchester United over a potential loan move for forward Joshua Zirkzee, as the Netherlands international looks set to depart Old Trafford before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Serie A club are working on the framework of an initial loan spell that would run until the end of the season, with the possibility of converting the deal into a permanent transfer next summer. Zirkzee, who still has three years left on his contract with United, is reportedly open to the move to Florence, though sources close to the negotiations stress that an agreement has not yet been finalised.
There remains a sense of cautious optimism among those involved that a deal can be struck before the transfer deadline on 1 September, but plenty of details still need to be ironed out before any move is confirmed.
Zirkzee's interest in a fresh start comes after a difficult two-year spell in Manchester following his £36.5m move from Bologna in the summer of 2024. The 25-year-old arrived with considerable promise, having been named Serie A's Under-23 Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign, and he made an immediate impact by scoring on his Premier League debut in a 1-0 win over Fulham.
However, that early flourish did not translate into sustained first-team involvement. Across his two seasons at United, Zirkzee made 75 appearances in all competitions but started just 27 of those matches, struggling to cement a regular starting role under the club's various tactical setups. His playing time diminished further in the most recent campaign, with only five Premier League starts coming his way during the 2025-26 season.
Despite the limited opportunities, Zirkzee still managed to contribute nine goals across all competitions during his time at Old Trafford, showing flashes of the ability that convinced United to sign him from Bologna. Yet the inconsistency in his role appears to have prompted both player and club to consider a change of scenery as the best path forward for his development.
A move to Fiorentina would represent a return to familiar territory for Zirkzee, who built his reputation in Italian football before making the switch to the Premier League. The Viola, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options, see the Dutch forward as a player capable of adding depth and quality to their squad, particularly given his physical presence and technical qualities that were on display during his standout campaign with Bologna.
For Manchester United, sanctioning a loan exit for Zirkzee would free up space and resources as the club continues to reshape its forward line following a season in which expectations were not met on multiple fronts. The structure of the proposed deal, including a loan fee and potential permanent transfer terms, is expected to be finalised in the coming days as both parties work toward completing the move ahead of the deadline.
With the transfer window edging closer to its close, all parties involved will be eager to conclude talks swiftly, allowing Zirkzee time to integrate into a new environment and for Fiorentina to strengthen their squad ahead of a crucial period in their season.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.