Manchester United have reportedly been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, with the striker nearing a potential move to Old Trafford. The Swedish forward, who currently plays for Sporting CP, has been in exceptional form since his transfer from Coventry City, scoring an impressive 74 goals in just 79 appearances for the Portuguese club. However, despite the growing interest from United, a January move seems unlikely due to financial restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play rules and Sporting’s resistance to part ways with Gyokeres mid-season.
The transfer speculation surrounding Gyokeres has intensified due to United’s ongoing issues with their centre-forward position and the striker’s strong ties with Sporting’s manager, Ruben Amorim. While a move this winter would be challenging, reports indicate that the situation could be more promising in the summer. Sporting’s reluctance to sell during the current season stems from their desire to maintain their push for the title and their Champions League ambitions. Therefore, a summer transfer appears to be a more practical option for all parties involved.
A significant development in Gyokeres’ potential departure from Sporting is the presence of a “gentleman’s agreement” between the player and the club. According to Portuguese outlet Record Portugal, this agreement could see Gyokeres leave for a transfer fee in the range of £58.6 million to £62.8 million, far lower than his £83 million release clause. This makes a future move for the forward much more affordable and realistic for clubs like Manchester United, who have been tracking his progress closely.
Given the current dynamics, it seems likely that Manchester United will wait until the summer to secure Gyokeres’ services, with Sporting looking to hold onto him for the remainder of the season. This agreement provides United with a clear pathway to pursue the striker without the immediate financial burden of his full release clause. With Gyokeres continuing to impress in Portugal, his potential move to a top club like United remains an exciting prospect.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United will likely continue monitoring Gyokeres’ situation closely, with the striker emerging as a key target for the club’s attacking options. For now, it seems that both Gyokeres and Sporting are content to wait until the end of the season before making any final decisions on his future.
