After missing out on Victor Osimhen, Al-Hilal could scupper Manchester United’s plans by resorting to Viktor Gyokeres.
The two clubs were recently involved in negotiations for Bruno Fernandes who ultimately pulled the trigger by refusing to leave for Saudi Arabia.
Sadly for Al-Hilal, they have been rejected by another one of their top targets, as they were informed that Osimhen has no intention to join them either.
This is certainly a blow for the Arabian giants who are hoping to bolster their ranks ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Al-Hilal could turn to Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres on the pitch for Sporting CP
(Getty Images)
According to Foot Mercato, Al-Hilal will retaliate by trying to lure Gyokeres to Riyadh with a massive offer.
This would certainly come as a blow for Man Utd who have been following the Swede for quite some time now. With his red-hot run and old ties to Ruben Amorim, many believe that the Sporting CP striker represents the ideal solution for the club’s attacking woes.
United finally made an initial approach in recent days by contacting intermediaries to enquire about the costs of the Gyokeres operation.
The 27-year-old has a release clause of £67 million, but many sources believe that Sporting vowed to release him for £58 million as part of a gentleman’s agreement from last summer.
Man United will likely have to muster this figure through player sales, particularly the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
Man Utd have recently enquired about Gyokeres
On the other hand, the costs of the deal shouldn’t represent an issue for Al-Hilal whose main obstacle remains convincing top stars to leave Europe in favour of the Middle East.
Stats in 24/25 Appearances Goals Assists
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting) 52 54 13
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) 41 37 8
Rasmus Hojlund (Man Utd) 52 10 4
Joshua Zirkzee 49 7 3
It should also be noted that Osimhen was heavily linked with Man United in recent months, but the Reds turned their attention towards other centre-forwards.
It remains to be seen if the Nigerian’s rejection of Al-Hilal could open a new door for the Premier League giants. The 26-year-old can leave Napoli for £62.5 million, which represents the value of his release clause.