Sporting CP’s president Frederico Varandas has ruled out the sale of his club’s striker Viktor Gyokeres after confirming the Portuguese club have not received any offers. The 27-year-old Swedish forward’s transfer value has only two years increased from £450,000 to a whopping £75 million. His amazing scoring ability has led to this amazing surge. Big English clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal have reported to be monitoring Gyokeres. Varandas described that the club would negotiate his fee in public and would be open to selling him for less than his €100 million release clause.
Gyokeres had an exceptional season with Sporting, scoring 54 goals in only 52 matches in all competitions. His remarkable run saw him score six goals in eight Champions League games, highlighting just what a special talent he is on the biggest club football stage. Since joining Sporting in 2023, the 20-year-old has made an immediate impact by scoring 97 goals in only 102 games. His showings make the case for him being one of Europe’s best next forward.
Varandas further explained the negotiations over Gyokeres’ future, pledging his transparency. “What was agreed in that meeting? That Sporting would not demand the release clause [this summer],” he stated. He stressed the club’s desire not to place a fixed price tag on Gyokeres. Only, he realizes that the market is a fickle beast. “It’s not worth us setting a value because I don’t know what will happen in a year’s time. I have no idea if that’s going to end up being 40 million euros, 60 million euros or 80 million euros. What I can promise you is that I won’t ask for 100 million euros,” Varandas said.
All this makes Gyokeres’ rise in value incredible. He has more than tripled his valuation in just two years, according to Transfermarkt. In his two and a half seasons with Coventry City, he hit a remarkable 40 goals in 97 matches. He came to Sporting from Brighton in 2021 before switching to Sporting.
Varandas under increased scrutiny, and exhibited extraordinary poise under pressure. He vehemently rejected all allegations of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Gyokeres’ agent for a set fee of £50.8 million (€60 million) plus £8.4 million (€10 million) in bonuses. As it stands, Sporting’s position appears firm: Gyokeres will not be allowed to leave for £59 million (€70 million) this summer.
Given the circumstances behind the eventuality of Gyokeres, it leads to further questions of whether more business could be done as the summer transfer window continues to unfold. Interest in him from some of Europe’s biggest clubs has only added to the mystery surrounding his future. According to Varandas’ statements, Sporting is willing to enter serious negotiations if a proper bid comes in.
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