Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has offered a fresh perspective on Viktor Gyökeres’ future, hinting for the first time that the striker could be sold for less than his full release clause.
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The prolific Swedish forward, currently a top target for both Manchester United and Arsenal, is at the center of a heated transfer battle this summer. ..Continue Reading
Gyökeres is reportedly determined to leave the Portuguese club and is even said to be considering drastic measures—such as refusing to report for pre-season training—after feeling let down by what he believed was a verbal agreement to allow a move at a reduced price.
Sporting have attempted to repair their relationship with the player, but Gyökeres declined an invitation to meet earlier this month.
Now, Varandas has publicly acknowledged that while the club doesn’t need to sell, there’s a strong chance the striker will depart before the transfer window closes.
And he has confirmed that the player will be permitted to leave for less than the €100m (£85.4m) buyout clause in his contract. “Sporting is calm regarding this matter,” Varandas stated, reports the Mirror.
“Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyökeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
“However, we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.”
“Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won’t disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won’t leave, absolutely not.
“In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go for 65 million, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for around 75 million euros.
“We are talking about players who are 26 years old. I believe Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don’t believe, as his agent is one of the best in the world.”
Gyökeres has netted an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions for Sporting, including 39 in just 33 league matches last season, following a prolific stint at Coventry City that earned him a move to Portugal in the summer of 2023.
Arsenal, whose initial bid for the Swedish striker was turned down, are still pursuing him but have also shifted some focus toward RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, with reports suggesting the German side have lowered their asking price for the Slovenian forward.
Gyökeres had also been linked with a potential switch to Real Madrid, but the Spanish giants have reportedly opted not to pursue a deal at this time.
