Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP
The future of striker Viktor Gyokeres has become a hot topic filled with drama recently, as rumours persist about a possible move to .
The 27-year-old forward has been associated with a transfer to the for some time, with hopes that he would attain his dream move. However, such hopes are diminishing.
Last Sunday, during Sporting's General Assembly at Estadio Jose Alvalade, queries regarding Gyokeres' future became a focal point. "Sporting is very calm about Gyokeres, Sporting does not need to sell Gyokeres," Varandas proclaimed.
"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.
"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 (£55m). 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 €70m. 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.
Varandas continued: "But I can guarantee that Viktor will not leave for €60million plus €10million. 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. There are only two scenarios: one club respects the price requested by Sporting and Viktor will fulfil his dream, 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."
However, these remarks reportedly haven't sat well with Viktor himself, with covering the latest developments in the saga.
Speaking out in public
The newspaper underscores that Varandas' comments about the transfer process have deeply upset the Swedish striker, who, it is claimed, 'directly confronted' the Lions' president.
During their message exchange, Gyokeres is said to have communicated three main points. The striker reportedly feels that Varandas has 'left him no alternative' but to publicly clarify the situation.
Record understands that Gyokeres informed Varandas he will speak to the media as he allegedly believes this is the appropriate time to do so.
Sporting return 'off the table'
The second point Gyokeres is said to have raised in his message exchange with Varandas was the issue of returning to Sporting.
As reported by Record, he has no intention of reporting back for pre-season and in one of his messages sent on Sunday afternoon, he firmly informed the president that he will not return to the club.
Specifically, he is believed to have stated he will not travel to Lisbon on July 6 or report for training the following day, as originally scheduled.
'Tired' of the situation
Finally, the third message Gyokeres reportedly shared with the Sporting president after hearing his earlier remarks was that he is 'tired' - a term a source close to the player used when speaking to Record.
Gentleman's agreement
with Sporting holding out for around his £84m release clause.
Earlier in the month, Sporting Clube de Portugal's president Varandas refuted suggestions of a €60m (£51m) plus €10m (£8m) in add-ons departure this summer. "I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60+€10m (in add-ons) because I never promised him that," he stated.
Man United transfer latest
MEN Sport understands that United have been admirers of Gyokeres since Ruben Amorim's arrival at M16 last November.
Reports this week have claimed that . Now, with the new financial year approaching on July 1, Gyokeres' move could finally be about to materialise.
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