Sporting CP’s president Frederico Varandas recently announced that the club has not received any formal offers for their star striker Viktor Gyokeres. The 27-year-old forward is making headlines due to his stellar goal-scoring pace. His transfer value has rocketed, up to £75 million now, having tripled from when he transferred from Brighton to Coventry City in 2021.
With the regularity of a metronome, Gyokeres has made himself one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers. Since his move to Sporting in 2023, he has scored an impressive 97 goals in just 102 appearances across all competitions. He produced a staggering attacking output last season, netting 54 goals across all competitions in 52 games. This remarkable triumph establishes his regularity as an integral participant for the club. Furthermore, Gyokeres has scored six goals in eight Champions League matches, proving that he possesses the magic even at the continental level.
For all his profile, though, Varandas has at least assured, at this point, that nobody has made a bid—or given a bid—of that caliber. This despite interest from Barclays Premier League heavweights Manchester United and Arsenal, both keen on the star striker. “What was agreed in that meeting? That Sporting would not demand the release clause this summer,” Varandas stated, indicating the club’s flexibility regarding Gyokeres’ potential departure.
Gyokeres’ agent has sought assurances from both Varandas and sporting director Hugo Viana regarding the striker’s future, emphasizing that he would be allowed to leave for less than his €100 million release clause. Varandas reiterated this point, stating, “It’s not worth us setting a value because I don’t know what will happen in a year’s time. Whether it will be 40 million euros, 60 million or 80 million, I cannot tell you. Here is the one thing I can promise, that I won’t ask for 100 million euros.”
According to reports, Gyokeres is not pleased with Sporting. He’s just frustrated that they’ve not been true to their word on his future movement. Reports suggest he would be willing to sit out for the club permanently if a proper deal is not made. This further complicates the equation as the summer transfer window continues.
Varandas further dismissed claims of a supposed ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Gyokeres’ agent. This deal reportedly contains a guaranteed transfer fee of £50.8 million (€60 million) plus further add-ons. He challenged the notion of such a deal, arguing that there are no promises on a fixed cost.
And with the transfer window still open, Viktor Gyokeres’ future is still open to speculation. But with clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal already reportedly monitoring his situation, it’s going to be a crucial few months for Sporting. The club’s willingness to negotiate, coupled with Gyokeres’ remarkable scoring record and rising profile, ensures that he will remain a focal point in transfer discussions throughout the summer.
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