Reports indicate that Manchester United have initiated contact regarding Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.
According to Sky Sports News, United have formally approached Sporting Lisbon to inquire about the Swedish international.
The 27-year-old striker`s contract at Sporting`s Estadio Jose Alvalade contains an £84 million release clause.
However, reports suggest a gentleman`s agreement allows Gyokeres to depart for a fee closer to £58-60 million, an amount Manchester United is reportedly capable of paying.
Gyokeres boasts an impressive scoring record for the Portuguese club, netting 97 goals in 102 matches.
Remarkably, 66 of these goals were scored under the management of Ruben Amorim during their time together at Sporting.
It`s reported that Amorim is keen on reuniting with Gyokeres at Old Trafford, especially given the goal-scoring difficulties faced by current forwards like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Hojlund has recently been linked with a potential move away from United, with reports suggesting Inter Milan are interested with a £40 million offer.
However, Hojlund recently informed Danish media that he has no plans to leave.
The former Atalanta player stated: “I have a contract until 2030, so I fully expect to continue playing for Manchester United.
“I`m looking forward to my summer break, and then I`ll be completely focused on the ongoing project here.
“I know I shouldn`t pay too much attention to what`s written [in the media].
“I am aware of the facts – which are that my contract with Manchester United runs until 2030.
“I anticipate playing here, so I`m just preparing for a summer holiday followed by hopefully a strong pre-season.”
Notably, United cannot offer Gyokeres any European competition next season, including the prestigious Champions League.
Despite this, Amorim might leverage his prior relationship with Gyokeres to attract him, especially as Arsenal are also reportedly interested.
Al-Hilal from the Saudi Pro League also attempted to sign the striker, offering substantial wages nearing £30 million, but the Swedish international reportedly rejected the move to the Middle East.
Additionally, a transfer worth £62.5 million has reportedly been completed, bringing Amorim from Wolves to Old Trafford. (Note: This specific transfer detail appears potentially inconsistent with manager Ruben Amorim`s current status.)
The Red Devils are also reportedly still interested in acquiring Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
However, this potential deal faces complications as Tottenham are reportedly set to appoint Brentford`s manager Thomas Frank.
Analyzing Gyokeres` Potential Fit at Manchester United
It`s not surprising that Manchester United, seeking a new striker, are reportedly targeting Swedish international and Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.
He was a key performer under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, contributing significantly with 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games during the 2024-25 season, following a remarkable 58 goal contributions the previous term.
The 27-year-old, valued at £63 million, has followed an unconventional path, including a less successful spell at Brighton before excelling at Coventry City, which truly launched his career.
His impressive form in the Championship earned him a move to Portugal for an initial fee of £17.5 million.
Gyokeres now appears ready for the next stage in his career, and his qualities make it clear why.
He fits the profile of a modern striker, capable of stretching defenses with long, aggressive runs behind the backline. He also possesses the ability to score diverse types of goals.
However, a challenge for Gyokeres at a club like Manchester United would be frequently encountering low or medium defensive blocks, a factor that significantly impacted Rasmus Hojlund`s effectiveness this season.
This defensive approach reduces the space behind the defense, which is where Gyokeres is most effective, making it challenging for any striker to exploit.
While Gyokeres is technically sound, capable of receiving the ball in congested areas and linking up with teammates, these attributes are not his primary strengths.
He is predominantly a powerful forward who excels when through balls are played into channels, allowing him to make runs and stretch the opposition defense.
