Manchester United have reportedly taken a step forward in their pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres, as recent decisions by Sir Jim Ratcliffe have helped the club meet Sporting’s demands.
Manchester United are stepping up their search for attacking reinforcements after a dismal 2024/25 season that saw them slump to 15th in the Premier League and fall short in the Europa League final.
The lack of goals was a clear issue, with Bruno Fernandes leading the way on 19, while Amad and Alejandro Garnacho followed with 11 each—no player managed to reach 20 for the season.
To address that, United are turning to the transfer market. Matheus Cunha is set to join in a £62.5 million move, and Bryan Mbeumo has given the green light for a potential switch from Brentford.
Rúben Amorim’s side are still pursuing further attacking options, but one name is now off the list, as Liam Delap has completed a move to Chelsea.
United learn Sporting’s Gyökeres demands
Multiple reports have stated that despite United’s pursuit of 22-year-old Delap, Amorim favours signing a more experienced player for the position amid the need to guarantee goals next season.
Following the addition of Cunha and the potential signing of Mbeumo, United want to secure a No. 9 as their next summer signing, with Viktor Gyökeres a name high on their list.
According to The Sun, despite the player having a release clause of around £80 million in his contract, Sporting CP are willing to entertain offers in the region of £60 million.
It is further stated that, knowing the transfer will cost around the same as it took to sign Cunha, United are “ready” to meet this demand to pip Arsenal to the signing of a striker who has scored 97 goals in 102 games for his current club.
Ratcliffe’s actions are helping United meet the demand
While United’s precarious financial position have left them unable to know how much they can spend this summer, with much of Amorim’s current budget dependent on sales, the recent actions of Sir Jim Ratcliffe have allowed them extra breathing room.
Read More: Two reasons why Manchester United will need to wait to complete Viktor Gyokeres deal after Fabrizio Romano update
The club’s latest financial results show that, with mass staff cuts initiated by Ratcliffe in the last 12 months, as well as the offloading of high-paid players like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in January, the club’s wage bill has decreased by approximately £20 million.
This has reportedly given United the confidence to take a step forward in signing Gyökeres this summer. With many players, such as Antony, Rashford, Garnacho, and Sancho, all set to leave permanently, this will also raise further funds.
United are also looking to bring in a new midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper, depending on the future of André Onana.
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