Viktor Gyokeres is the 'Hannibal Lecter meets Bane' hitman that both Manchester United and Arsenal are hoping to land this summer transfer window
18:20, 12 Jun 2025
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres could be on the move(Image: Getty Images)
Few people get sent to Coventry and become so popular.
But Viktor Gyokeres is a serious exception to the rule. Because some of the biggest clubs in Europe are now talking about him. Brighton have a wonderful track record when it comes to recruiting players from around the world.
But whoever was responsible for allowing Gyokeres to join Coventry City on-loan in 2021, and then permanently six months later, needs their P45. Gyokeres scored 38 goals in 91 league games for the Championship side.
And he's never stopped scoring since. The Midlands is where Gyokeres first came up with his unusual goal celebration, one which sees him cross both hands over his mouth.
His former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles has claimed it is because of the character Hannibal Lecter in the film (Silence of the Lambs). "He (Lecter) eats people - and Viktor destroys defences," Eccles said.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is a hot prospect(Image: Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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While others believe it is inspired by Bane, from the Batman movie 'The Dark Knight Rises'. It's true that Gyokeres has been chewing up defenders and spitting them out for fun since escaping the clutches of Premier League clubs.
It's also true he has turned himself into some sort of footballing superhero. The Swedish sensation has done most of his damage in Lisbon, on behalf of Sporting Lisbon.
A phenomenal 97 goals in just 102 appearances have seen him finally get the attention of some of the biggest clubs in English football and beyond.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly fuming with Sporting CP(Image: Valter Gouveia/NurPhoto)
Three of these came in a blistering performance to demolish Manchester City last season in the Champions League, leaving the great Pep Guardiola both mesmerised and marmalised.
He averaged more than one goal a game in the last campaign, with 54 in 52 appearances, and has also notched nine in just six international appearances for Sweden.
Those who grew up with Gyokeres, or coached him, speak of someone with a ferocious work ethic, strong mentality and incredible will to win. A bloke who would shed tears when he lost a game.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 25: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting his team's victory following the Portuguese Cup final match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on May 25, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has been scoring goals for fun in Portugal(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
But no-one is crying in Lisbon now. His impact in the Portuguese capital has turned him into Sporting's prize asset.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Juventus and numerous Saudi clubs have now formed a queue outside the office of Sporting president Frederico Varandas.
All of them want to do a deal to sign a 27-year-old who hasn't even reached his peak yet. But it is complicated.
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Having agreed last summer to play one more season with Sporting, Gyokeres claims to have a gentleman's agreement allowing him to leave for a certain price. Varandas has denied this, and insists he won't be sold on the cheap.
There are now suggestions Gyokeres is willing to go on strike to get the move he wants. Indicating his increased desperation to seal a move to the biggest league in world football. Which could be good news for either United or Arsenal.
It's hard to believe he's never made a single Premier League appearance. But all this looks about to change.