Latest developments
- Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres available for cut-price
- Man Utd interested in signing the Swedish striker
- Gyokeres could be available for £63million next summer
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Reliable source but a margin of error needed
Gyokeres has been the talk of the town so far this season as the Sporting CP striker has hit the ground running with 23 goals in just 15 matches in all competitions. As such, reports of a possible exit from the Portuguese club were always going to be on the cards.
The Times have reported that Gyokeres could be available for sale in the summer of 2025 for a sum as low as £63 million (€75.7m) due to a gentleman's agreement between the striker and Sporting as the two parties look towards the future. Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Swede next summer, considering they will have Ruben Amorim at the helm, a coach under whom Gyokeres saw his most successful stint.
As far as reports go, The Times are rarely ever wrong with their exclusives based on English clubs, however, a margin of error must always be considered for their reports on dealings outside of England.
Value (4.5/5): Promising striker for a massive price-cut
Gyokeres' availability for a sum as low as £63 million is a perfect situation for most clubs that have shown interest in the Swedish striker as he has proven this season that he can hold his own against the big boys by scoring a Champions League hat-trick against Premier League juggernaut Manchester City.
The Sporting striker has shown a natural sense of where the goal is without having to take his eyes off the ball, a trait that has been key to several legendary strikers, including Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez, and, more recently, Erling Haaland.
Suitability (4.5/5): Amorim's tactics will not change at Man Utd
If reports are to be believed so far, Amorim is said to be a very hard-to-impress manager as the former Portuguese international is known for his eye at spotting talent from afar. Gyokeres was one such case for Amorim at Sporting, among many others.
Gyokeres' best period generally came under Amorim's management and as such, if the Swede is to move to Old Trafford next summer, he would fit right into the coach's plans to continue implementing his tactical setup from Sporting at Manchester United.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Competing with Hojlund not an easy task
If Gyokeres were to move to Manchester United next summer, his direct competition would come in the form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, given that the Dutchman is not sold before that. Gyokeres would be a massive upgrade on Zirkzee, who has failed to turn up for the Red Devils since his move from Bologna. However, the same will not be the case when comparing the Swede with Hojlund.
Hojlund has struggled at times at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, however, one has to consider the lack of support the Dane has received so far from his fellow attackers and eventhe coach at times. Given the right conditions, Hojlund and Gyokeres are not that far apart in terms of their potential output.
Logic (2.5/5): A considerable personal risk for Gyokeres
Gyokeres could move to any club in the world at the moment. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among the clubs which have been loosely linked with the Swedish striker. Any of those clubs would be a better option for a promising striker to move to, as Old Trafford has become a ‘graveyard' for forwards.
Additionally, for Manchester United, the move would not make too much sense considering they only recently pumped money into two strikers in the form of Zirkzee and Hojlund. The funds they save up could rather be used to fill in the other gaping holes in the squad.
Whisper+ final verdict – 18/25
Obviously, if Amorim wants Gyokeres to join him at Manchester United, INEOS will do their best to unite the two at Old Trafford. Additionally, the move would not be the worst for the Swede either, as he gets to play under Amorim yet again.
However, the two parties could be better off staying apart. Manchester United can function very well with Hojlund and spend money on other positions, while Gyokeres could move to a less stressful environment to try and keep his form in check.
