The 26-year-old Swedish forward has become one of Europe’s most coveted attacking talents, thanks to an impressive record of 66 goals in 68 appearances for Sporting over the past two seasons. ..Continue Reading
Clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly expressed significant interest in Gyökeres, despite his hefty £83 million release clause at the Lisbon-based club.
Reports suggest that the prolific striker could be available for a reduced fee of £63 million after the 2024/25 season.
Rumors of a move to Manchester United have intensified following Ruben Amorim’s recent switch from Sporting to manage the Premier League side, sparking talk that Gyökeres could join him at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Sporting remains determined to retain their star player and are reportedly not under pressure to sell him during the upcoming January transfer window.
‘We are prepared to welcome him today to train for the first time and we are very happy to have him here,’ Sporting assistant Teixeira told Portuguese media when asked about a potential move for Gyokeres this winter.
‘He is also very happy with the season he is having representing Sporting and his national team.
‘He is very happy to be here. ‘What we want is to have him for as long as possible.’
Gyokeres has been keen not to be drawn into the incessant speculation over his future and distanced himself from talk that he could follow in Amorim’s footsteps in January.
‘Going with Amorim to Manchester United? I don’t know,’ he replied when pressed on the possibility of joining Amorim after his man-of-the-match display against Estrela at the start of the month.
‘I’m here. As you can see, I enjoy it at Sporting. ‘It’s nothing I really think about. I’m sad about him [Amorim] leaving. We wish him all the best.’
Barcelona had been among the clubs linked to Gyokeres but the club’s sporting director, Deco, poured cold water on these rumours last week.
Deco told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo: ‘He is a good player, he has been scoring goals for a long time in Portugal.
‘We know him like others but he is not a priority at the moment and we looking for a No.9 to replace Robert [Lewandowski] because we want him to remain happy, scoring goals and at least stay for another season.
‘We have won things and he is happy to be here. We are not going to talk about any player now.’