Liverpool has been given a boost in its hunt for a new No. 9, with Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas revealing that the Portuguese club will allow Viktor Gyokeres to leave below his asking price this summer.
The striker netted a remarkable 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting this season, prompting widespread interest in the 27-year-old. A reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United has been mentioned in recent reports, while Gyokeres has also been linked with a summer move to Arsenal.
Liverpool’s name has not been reported as frequently, with Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen dominating the transfer agenda. But Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha last week claimed the Reds have entered the race to sign the prolific Swede.
Should that be the case, Varandas’ latest remarks will have gone down well at Anfield, with the Sporting chief revealing Gyokeres is expected to move on this summer for a cheaper fee than his €100 million ($117M/£85M) release clause.
“Sporting is very calm about Gyokeres,” Varandas said during the club’s General Assembly over the weekend, as per A Bola.
“Sporting does not need to sell Gyokeres. We have already passed the stage where we had to sell our best assets.
Viktor Gyokeres, forward of Sporting CP, celebrates with the trophy after winning during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and Vitoria SC at Estadio Jose de Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 17, 2025.
Gyokeres led Sporting to another Portuguese title win this season (Image: Getty Images)
“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 €65 million ($76M/56M).
“I saw two players being sold in the Premier League – Matheus Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo – forwards who do not have the quality of Viktor, in my opinion, were sold for around €75 million ($88M/£64M). We are talking about players who are 26 years old.
“So, given the demands we make 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, because he is one of the best footballers in the world.”
Frederico Varandas
Frederico Varandas spoke over the weekend about the possibility of Viktor Gyokeres leaving Sporting (Image: Getty Images)
Varandas’ comments seem to imply Sporting will demand a fee around the €80 million ($94M/£68M), but the president of the Portuguese champions added he will allow the player to leave for a cut-price fee.
“I won't say what the price we're asking for. It was communicated to the agent,” said the 45-year-old. “But I can guarantee that Viktor won't leave for €60+10million.
“Viktor already knows this and I want Sporting fans to know this and to take advantage of this summer, when they're two-time champions, when they've won a double, to celebrate and be at peace.
“There are only two scenarios: a club respects Viktor's fair market value and Viktor will fulfil his dream, and from that moment on we'll be ready to attack the targets, or that club doesn't want Viktor, and Viktor, with a three-year contract, stays at Sporting and we'll be very happy.”