The transfer saga surrounding Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and his potential move to Manchester United has taken a dramatic turn, with Sporting's president, Frederico Varandas, publicly casting doubt on the likelihood of the deal. This comes amidst intense speculation linking the Swedish international with a move to Old Trafford, as well as reported interest from Arsenal and other European clubs.
Varandas has come forward to address the swirling rumors, particularly those suggesting a "gentleman's agreement" was in place to allow Gyokeres to leave for a fee of around £59 million (€70m). In a firm statement, the Sporting president refuted these claims, stating that no such agreement exists and that the club has not received any offers for the player. He has also accused Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, of attempting to "blackmail" the club and orchestrate a transfer against Sporting's wishes.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have emerged suggesting that Gyokeres himself is unhappy with Sporting's stance, with some outlets claiming he feels "disrespected" and is even considering refusing to play for the club again. These reports allege that Gyokeres believed Sporting would allow him to leave for the previously mentioned £59 million fee, a valuation the club is now reportedly unwilling to honor.
Varandas, however, insists that while Sporting is open to selling Gyokeres for less than his £85 million (€100m) release clause, they will not be dictated to by the agent or any potential suitors. He emphasized that the final transfer fee will be subject to negotiation and will reflect Gyokeres' outstanding performance over the past season, during which he scored an impressive 54 goals in 52 games.
Manchester United's interest in Gyokeres is well-documented, with reports suggesting that the club has already made initial contact with Sporting to explore the possibility of a transfer. Erik ten Hag is reportedly a keen admirer of the striker and views him as a potential solution to United's goalscoring problems. Furthermore, the possibility of a reunion with former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, who took over at Old Trafford mid-season, could be a tempting prospect for the Swedish international.
However, Manchester United face stiff competition from Arsenal, who are also said to be in the hunt for Gyokeres' signature. The Gunners can offer Champions League football, a factor that could sway the striker's decision. It has been reported that representatives from Arsenal have already met with Gyokeres' agent to discuss a potential move.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Gyokeres has made it clear that he is keen to test himself in the Premier League. This has put several English clubs on high alert, but Sporting's firm stance and the lack of any formal offers have complicated matters.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether Manchester United, Arsenal, or any other club will be willing to meet Sporting's valuation of Gyokeres. The coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining the striker's next destination, with the Sporting president's comments adding a significant layer of intrigue to the ongoing transfer saga.
