AFCON 2025
Manchester United target Victor Gyokores fires back at Sporting Lisbon’s president
Viktor Gyokeres, a prime target for Manchester United, has publicly addressed the escalating transfer speculation surrounding his future at Sporting Lisbon via social media.
The Swedish striker’s potential move to Old Trafford gained traction after his former coach, Ruben Amorim, left Sporting to manage United.
Given their successful collaboration and United’s need for a new striker, a reunion has been widely anticipated, with Gyokeres reportedly eager to join Amorim at Manchester United.
The situation has been complicated by a public dispute between Gyokeres and Sporting over a gentleman’s agreement tied to his contract.
Although his release clause stands at £85 million (€100 million), the agreement reportedly allowed him to leave for £58 million if he chose to depart.
However, Sporting have demanded £67 million from suitors, appearing to violate the agreed terms, which has infuriated the striker.
Frustrated with Sporting Lisbon’s action, Gyokeres removed Sporting from his Instagram bio, signaling a rift with the club.
Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, refuted by stating that no specific figures were fixed in the agreement, only that potential suitors wouldn’t need to pay the full release clause.
This discrepancy has fueled tensions, with Sporting now valuing Gyokeres at around £70 million.
Manchester United and Arsenal are the two top clubs leading the race for Gyokeres, each offering bids of £51 million (€60 million) plus £8.5 million (€10 million) in add-ons, which is below Sporting’s valuation of the Swedish striker.
The ongoing financial disagreement has kept the transfer talks alive, with no resolution in sight. Gyokeres’ frustration with the situation appears to be mounting as negotiations stall.
Amid the growing speculation, Gyokeres posted on his Instagram story, stating,
“There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”
It’s unclear whether Gyokores was addressing his reported anger with Sporting, Varandas’ comments, or the transfer rumors.
This transfer tussle shows no signs of resolution, with Gyokeres’ future at Sporting hanging in the balance.
Victor Gyokeres had a remarkable 2024/2025 season with Sporting Lisbon as he bagged 54 goals, 13 assists in 52 matches making him one of the most sought-after strikers in the transfer market.
