Robin Bairner
Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Viktor Gyokeres has made a surprising decision about his future that will have a profound impact on both Manchester United and Barcelona, according to a report from Spain.
Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a move from Sporting CP to Old Trafford, where he could hook up with his former mentor in Lisbon, Ruben Amorim. Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG are also regularly linked with moves.
Transfers rumours regarding the Sweden international forward only increased following Sporting’s 2-1 loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League this week, when the forward spoke out against the club’s fans as they launched projectiles at the players following a fourth-successive loss.
Man Utd could be left disappointed in their chase for Gyokeres, however. El Nacional claims that the striker is “willing to wait” for Barcelona to become the heir to Robert Lewandowski with the Blaugrana.
“At Barca they know that the striker would be delighted to join the Camp Nou, but for the moment Deco does not plan to make any move,” the report claims.
Money issues likely to block Gyokeres deal
The major stumbling block, according to the Catalan report, is finding the money to fund a deal. Gyokeres is expected to command a price of €100 million during January or €70m in the summer. This figure, however, could drop if he continues to make his discontent clear, with a price of €60m even discussed by the local media.
Barcelona still face significant financial restrictions and could even release Dani Olmo as a free agent at the beginning of January if they cannot raise funds quickly. In short, they are in no position to challenge a Premier League powerhouse to sign a player such as Gyokeres, who commands a large transfer fee and wage.
This is why the local media believe that Deco is not planning a move for the striker at this juncture.
Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP
© IMAGO - Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP
Who are the favourites to sign Gyokeres?
Gyokeres is still expected to leave Sporting in the summer, but his recent frustration means that the possibility of a January deal is not discounted.
PSG are reportedly hustling to trigger the player’s €100m release clause next month as they seek options in attack while the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd are likelier to wait until the summer to launch bids when his price will drop to something like €70m.
Regardless of what the Catalan media claims, all these clubs look likelier destinations for Gyokeres than Barcelona.