Latest developments
- Barcelona have entered the race to sign Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres.
- A move to the Premier League was expected, with Man Utd the favourites.
- The Catalan giants see the Swede as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): TeamTALK go for quantity over quality
Though many reports are claiming Viktor Gyokeres' move to Manchester United is all but a done deal, Barcelona have entered the bidding at the eleventh hour to try and lure the Swedish striker to Spain.
That is per teamtalk.com, a site with a decent track record when it comes to transfers, but mainly because they report every rumour going. However, their sources seems to comes from Spain, adding some validity.
Value (4/5): Barça have special tactic ready
Reports suggest Sporting will allow Gyokeres to leave for around €60-€70 million, close to his current valuation but much lower than his €100 million release clause.
To avoid a bidding war with United and other interested Premier League sides, such as Arsenal, Barcelona have a trick up their sleeve; waiving a buy-back option and sell-on fee that was part of the deal which sent Francisco Trincao from Barça to Sporting.
Suitability (4/5): Barcelona the new home of such strikers
Thinking “Barcelona” never conjured up images of big, old-fashioned centre-forwards scoring bucketloads of goals. But that all changed with Robert Lewandowski's arrival, and Gyokeres seems the ideal forward to continue with the style working so well under Hansi Flick.
Upgrade (4/5): Lewa to pass on the baton
Having scored his 100th UEFA Champions League goal last night, Lewandowski is slowing no signs of slowing down, but it is inevitable that the 36-year-old will do so eventually.
He may have to bide his time, but the 26-year-old will have the chance to make the centre-forward position at the Camp Nou his own for years to come.
Logic (2/5): United still looks the better choice
But, in-form Gyokeres will not be wanting to wait around. No matter how far Man Utd are behind Barcelona at the moment, the chance to instantly become the focal point at a huge club, under a manager in Ruben Amorim who knows what is best for him, will surely be more appealing.
Whisper+ verdict: 16.5/25
With 24 goals already this season, it is worth any big club throwing their hat into the ring to sign Gyokeres, and Barcelona are right to be mindful that they will need a Lewandowski replacement before long.
That said, unless the Sweden star wants to be waiting in the wings, England looks to be a better bet for him.
