Viktor Gyokeres is being linked with Manchester United and Arsenal after a stunning two years with Portuguese giants Sporting CP, and his coach has broken one habit for his player
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates scoring Sporting CP second goal during the Liga Portugal Betclicmatch between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Vitoria SC
Viktor Gyokeres' coach has chosen to break his own tradition when it comes to the striker's transfer decision
(Image: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Sought-after Viktor Gyokeres is attracting major attention from Manchester United and Arsenal this summer, a fact Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson is acutely aware of. However, the heightened interest in his star player has led him to deviate from his usual practice of offering transfer advice to his players.
A move to the Premier League could be on the horizon for any club willing to meet Gyokeres' valuation, which is supposedly set at £60million. A move to Old Trafford would reunite the forward with former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, while Correio da Manha reported representatives from Arsenal travelled to Portugal for discussions with the player's agent this week.
Tomasson typically likes to provide guidance on potential moves, considering factors like potential playing time and style. However, the media frenzy surrounding Gyokeres has persuaded him to stay out of the public discussion.
The ex-Blackburn boss, who assumed control of Sweden's national team in 2024, has more insight into the situation than most. Yet when asked if he had a preferred destination for Gyokeres, the 48-year-old said he is staying out of the situation.
"No, of course not," he told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet (via The Mirror) at the national team's training facility when asked if he would offer his two cents. "Because then it would be blown up like this [stretches arms]."
National team coaches like Tomasson often prefer to pick players who are regularly featuring for their clubs. He said he frequently discusses with his players "what would be a good and bad club," but it seems Gyokeres may be an exception to the rule.
Jon Dahl Tomasson, Head Coach of Sweden, looks on prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C1 match between Sweden and Estonia
Jon Dahl Tomasson isn't getting involved in Gyokeres' transfer situation
"There are definitely players changing clubs! We know that each year," added Tomasson, highlighting the importance of making the sensible move. "You actually don't know if it's the right choice before you're at the club. You have family as well you have to have in mind. It's not easy, but at the end of the day, that's [football]."
A move to Old Trafford now appears unlikely after United agreed to pay Matheus Cunha's £62.5m release clause. But fans will nonetheless dream of a summer reunion between the Swede and former mentor Amorim.
Gyokeres, set to celebrate his 27th birthday on Wednesday, is currently one of Europe's top strikers having netted 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting. And his inner circle, including family members, are vocal about their desire for him to stay in Lisbon.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting celebrates
Gyokeres has scored 97 times in 102 outings for Sporting to date
Chris, Gyokeres' uncle, recently spoke about the striker's future after a family dinner, expressing a clear preference for his nephew next season. And one can hardly blame him after hitting new heights in the Portuguese capital.
"Yes, very much," he told Sport.TV when asked whether the family now felt a connection with Lisbon. "Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay."
During the recent Taca de Portugal final celebrations, Gyokeres' girlfriend, actress Ines Aguiar, also shared her thoughts on the situation. And she confessed she had "promised" to do everything in her power to persuade him to remain at Sporting for a third season.