Manchester United transfer news as Sporting CP chief Frederico Varandas speaks on Viktor Gyokeres' future at the club
Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Getty Images)
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has confirmed there is a strong possibility that Viktor Gyokeres will leave the club this summer amid interest from Manchester United.
Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting since joining the club from Coventry City in 2023. It's widely expected that the Sweden international will secure a move to one of Europe's top five leagues with United and Arsenal keen.
The Gunners were thought to be in pole position to land the striker but Mikel Arteta's preference of Benjamin Sesko has left the door open for United as the window goes on. It was understood that the reported 'gentleman's agreement' in place to allow Gyokeres to leave for £60million isn't valid with Sporting holding out for around his £84m release clause.
Now, speaking ahead of Sporting's General Assembly, Varandas has provided another update on Gyokeres and his future. "Sportinf does not need to sell Gyokeres," he told A Bola. "We have already passed the stage where we had to sell our best assets. We do not have to sell him. In the same way that we do not have to sell him, we are still sensitive to Viktor 's dreams .
"Sporting has a commitment, made by the president, not to ask for the value of the termination clause and to be reasonable in relation to Viktor 's performance last season.
"If you ask me today, there is a strong possibility that Viktor will leave. In the last few weeks, we have been keeping an eye on the market, I saw a player like [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go to Arsenal for €65million.
"I saw two players being sold in the Premier League, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who do not have the quality of Viktor, in my opinion, were sold for around €70million.
Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford looks on
Man United are looking to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo before their pre-season starts
(Image: Getty Images)
"We are talking about players who are 26-years-old. So, given the demands we are making in relation to Viktor's value, I believe he could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world. Which I find hard to believe.
"I won't say what the price we asked for. It was communicated to the agent. But I can guarantee that Viktor will not leave for €60m plus €10m. Viktor already knows and I want Sporting fans to take advantage of this summer, in which they are two-time champions, in which they have a double, to celebrate, to be calm, because there are only two scenarios.
"One club respects the price requested by Sporting and Viktor will fulfil his dreams, and from that moment we will be ready to attack the targets, or that club does not want Viktor and Viktor, with a three-year contract, stays at Sporting and we will be very happy.
"I have been in football for 20 years and have already experienced countless transfer dramas. The transfer window is a cure for any ill. Disgruntled players are not a problem. Viktor staying will not be a problem for us, it will be a problem for our opponents."
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