Fiorentina Pivot to Beto as Manchester United Stall on Zirkzee Terms

FolioPitch.com – 28 August 2026 | In a rapidly shifting Serie A transfer market, Fiorentina focus on Beto as Manchester United uncertain of Zirkzee terms continues to dominate discussions at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The Viola are desperate to secure a replacement for Moise Kean, who is edging closer to a move to Como, but with the Zirkzee deal stalling, they have now turned their attention to Everton striker Beto.

Fiorentina’s summer transfer window has become a delicate balancing act. The club is on the verge of selling Moise Kean to Como for a fee in the region of €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons. Kean, who has been pushing hard for the exit in search of Champions League football, has already agreed personal terms with the newly ambitious Como side. However, the Viola have not yet fully accepted the proposal, with discussions ongoing over how the performance-related bonuses will be structured. The basic agreement is there, but the finer details remain unresolved.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina have been actively pursuing Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United. The former Bologna striker has been identified as a ideal replacement for Kean, with reports suggesting the Italian club have proposed a paid loan worth €5 million, followed by an option to buy at the end of the season. Sources from Sky Sport Italia, Sport Mediaset, and the Corriere dello Sport all indicate that Manchester United are hesitant to accept these terms. The Premier League outfit would prefer a permanent transfer or, at the very least, an obligation to buy. This hesitation has created a stalemate, leaving Fiorentina scrambling for alternatives.

It is precisely this uncertainty that has led Fiorentina to explore other options. According to multiple reports, Fiorentina focus on Beto as Manchester United uncertain of Zirkzee terms has turned into a concrete approach for Everton’s Portuguese centre-forward. Beto, who is no stranger to Italian football, spent two seasons at Udinese between 2021 and 2023 before moving to Everton for a reported €25 million plus bonuses. The 28-year-old is seen as a viable and less complicated alternative to Zirkzee, offering physical presence and a proven goal-scoring record in Serie A.

Beto’s numbers from last season demonstrate his potential. He scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 40 competitive appearances for Everton across all competitions. While those statistics may not set the world alight, they do highlight his ability to contribute regularly at the highest level. During his time with Udinese, Beto scored 22 goals in 65 Serie A matches, showing his familiarity with the tactical demands of Italian football. This makes him an attractive proposition for Fiorentina, who need a striker capable of stepping straight into the starting eleven.

The Zirkzee saga, however, is far from over. The Dutch international, who scored on his Premier League debut for Manchester United against Fulham, has also attracted interest from Juventus. Reports suggest that Zirkzee still hopes Juventus can come forward with an improved offer, which further complicates the picture for Fiorentina. If Juventus manage to make a more compelling bid, Manchester United might be more willing to sell permanently, but that would likely price Fiorentina out of the move. The Viola are therefore pragmatic in their approach, covering their bases by pursuing Beto in case the Zirkzee deal collapses entirely.

For Fiorentina, this is a critical junction in their summer planning. Kean’s departure is imminent, and the club cannot afford to enter the new season without a reliable striker. While Beto may not bring the same creative flair as Zirkzee, he offers a different dimension with his aerial ability and strength. His experience in Serie A would allow him to adapt quickly, which is crucial as the team prepares for both domestic and European commitments.

From Manchester United’s perspective, the situation with Zirkzee remains fluid. The club is open to selling the player, but only on their own terms. A loan with an option to buy is not an attractive proposition for a club that spent around €36.5 million to sign him in the summer of 2024. They are looking to recoup a significant portion of that investment, and as such, any deal must include either a permanent transfer fee or a mandatory purchase clause. This hardline stance has led to the current impasse with Fiorentina.

As the transfer window enters its final weeks, the pressure is mounting on all parties. Fiorentina need a striker, Manchester United need to offload Zirkzee, and Beto may see this as a perfect opportunity to return to Italy and play for a club with European ambitions. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Fiorentina’s focus on Beto materialises into a formal offer, or whether Manchester United eventually soften their stance on the Zirkzee terms.

In conclusion, the transfer market is notoriously unpredictable, and Fiorentina’s summer plans hang in the balance. The keyword ‘Fiorentina focus on Beto as Manchester United uncertain of Zirkzee terms’ sums up the current state of play: two parallel negotiations, one increasingly uncertain. Whether the Viola end up with Beto, Zirkzee, or even another surprise name, their fate depends on the decisions made in Manchester and Turin. For now, Fiorentina focus on Beto as Manchester United uncertain of Zirkzee terms, and the Italian giants are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a solution.