Latest Manchester United transfer news with an update on Viktor Gyokeres' future
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Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United
(Image: Getty Images)
Hasan Cetinkaya, the agent of Viktor Gyokeres, says he has written proof that Sporting CP promised the striker he could leave for £59million this summer.
Gyokeres, 27, has been linked with a blockbuster move to Manchester United after scoring 54 goals in 52 matches for the Portuguese side in 2024/25. United are intent on signing a new centre-forward this summer to boost Ruben Amorim's options in attack.
It had been reported that the Swede has a 'gentlemen's agreement' in place to leave Sporting for £59m, after he rejected transfer interest last summer. Gyokeres has an £85m release clause but the Portuguese club were said to have agreed for him to depart for much less.
However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas revealed in a press conference on Wednesday that there is no agreement for Gyokeres to leave for £59m in the summer transfer window.
"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that," Varandas said. "To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres - neither today nor last season."
Reports in Portugal suggested that Gyokeres was left feeling 'disrespected' about the situation and won't return to Sporting for pre-season. It was added that the former Coventry City man would 'rather go on strike' and is willing to 'interrupt his vacation' to speak out about his situation and Sporting's agreement that was in place.
Gyokeres then took to social media to issue an update, as speculation continues to rise on his future. In a story on Instagram, he said: "There's a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right."
Now, Gyokeres' agent, Cetinkaya, has become the latest to speak out about the situation. According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, the businessman stated he has proof of the alleged agreement that he made with Sporting, and Gyokeres can, in fact, leave the club for £59m this summer.
Cetinkaya's comments are the complete contrast to what Vandaras said. "Sporting will not demand the release clause, but they should know me better by now: threats, blackmail, insults, they don't work with me," Vandaras added, as he fumed about the reported gentleman's agreement.
"I can guarantee one thing: Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m + €10m. He won't leave because I never allowed it, and with this game that the agent is playing, the situation will only get worse," he assured.
While there doesn't seem to be an agreement between Gyokeres, his camp and Sporting, a departure from the Primeira Liga is all-but certain, at this stage. United remain linked, while Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus are among his other potential suitors.
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