Manchester United are unlikely to make a move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer, according to reports.
Many have tipped the Swedish international to link up with his former manager Ruben Amorim but The Athletic claim that the Red Devils are reluctant to spend a significant amount of money on a player who will soon turn 27.
Combined with competition from other clubs which could jack up the price further, the decision has been made to cool interest in Gyokeres. Fans on X are flummoxed by the decision:
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27 is not 37. It means he has potentially 5 more years in him, or 3 at the minimum which is good enough.
We can still qualify for CL through Europa. Otherwise, Amorim should be able to persuade him.
All these are excuses. The real reason is a lack of willingness to spend.
— Dark Saint (@DefiledGod) February 13, 2025
Acting like 27 is pensioners age and not someone’s prime years is crazy
— TheWalker (@walker07_the) February 13, 2025
It's not about Gyokeres.
It's about INEOS being broke.
— FergiesRightRef (@FergiesRightRef) February 13, 2025
Saying 27 as if that isn’t a striker in his prime? Which is exactly what we need not more young potential strikers who aren’t cut out for a club this size. I don’t even want Gyokeres as first choice but the likes of him and Osimhen are the profiles/age ranges we should be buying
— Cathal (@UtdCathal) February 13, 2025
Reluctant to spend on strikers entering their prime. What a club
— Jamie (@Jamie7993) February 13, 2025
Brother, it's only 27… We're not a bloody kindergarten
— Joshua (@KickingDevils) February 13, 2025
Wont commit high money to a player 27, so the rumours about going for Kane should be total nonsense!
— UTD Ali (@AZAS_Ayta) February 13, 2025
Gyokeres is likely to be sold for £60m
Even though the 26-year-old has a €100m (£83m) release clause in his contract, it is believed that Sporting may sanction a sale for below that figure.
Gyokeres could be available for around £60m, which seems like a very reasonable price for someone who has scored 34 times in 35 appearances this campaign.
Who could United sign instead?
There has been speculation about Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane due to the existence of a low buyout fee but, like Gyokeres, the England captain’s age would count against him.
Alternatives include Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who has also been linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here