Manchester United could be inching closer to a blockbuster deal for Viktor Gyokeres after it emerged that all is not well between the striker and his club, Sporting CP.
Portuguese outlet Record have revealed that there was a gentleman’s agreement between the 27-year-old and Sporting president, Frederico Varandas, over the terms of his release this summer.
The Portuguese giants had agreed to reduce the Sweden international’s asking price from 100 million, which is his release clause, to an initial 60 million plus 10 million in potential add-ons.
But the 54-goal talisman has found out that Sporting have gone behind his back, and are demanding 80 million from his suitors, which complicates his potential departure.
Viktor Gyokeres unhappy with Sporting management He has made it very clear after missing out on a move last summer that he will be leaving this time around despite the fans wanting him to stay.
Varandas’ last-minute change in plans has made Viktor Gyokeres “furious” and as a result, he has removed all reference of Sporting CP from his social media handles.
“Gykeres is “furious”, as sources close to the forward describe him to Record, with the management of Sporting’s SAD, after the Swedish international learned that the president of SAD, Frederico Varandas, is not respecting the gentlemen’s agreement that existed for his sale.
“As our newspaper reported, after a stunning debut year at Alvalade, Gykeres remained at Sporting in 2024/25 after being promised that he would have more favourable conditions to leave the club this summer.
“In other words, he was assured that his release clause, worth 100 million, would not be an obstacle and that he could leave if Sporting received a concrete offer of 60 million, plus 10 million depending on objectives.
This could play into United’s hands “However, in response to some inquiries that have reached Alvalade, the administration headed by Frederico Varandas has pointed to a higher amount than that stipulated in the agreement between the parties, in the tune of 80 million euros, according to what was possible to ascertain.
“The demands did not go down well with the player, who feels “furious” because he believes that the club is failing to deliver on what it promised at the beginning of the season. This also explains the fact that he removed the reference to Sporting from his Instagram account.”
This rift could play into United’s hands perfectly, with the Red Devils in touch with the striker’s camp. Due to this misunderstanding, INEOS could possibly try and engineer a move away for a reduced fee as the player will now agitate for a move away.
This could, in turn, hurt Sporting’s position and they might be forced to part ways on unsavoury terms with a player who has given them so much joy. Whether they can patch up with Gyokeres or United can take advantage remains to be seen.
Feature image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
