Sporting Set to Avoid High Price Tag for Man Utd and Arsenal Target Gyokeres

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has confirmed that he won’t be asking for an exorbitant fee for striker Viktor Gyokeres as transfer speculation intensifies.

The Swedish international has established himself as one of Europe’s leading forwards, netting an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese champions last season.

He has been linked with various clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, amid ongoing transfer discussions.

Varandas has now provided an update regarding the 27-year-old, which complicates any potential transfer to either club.

Gyokeres has an £85 million release clause in his contract, which has three years left, and there were reports suggesting that he and Sporting had agreed on a potential departure for £59 million this summer.

Varandas clarified that this information is inaccurate, delivering a significant setback to the clubs vying for his signature.

“I can assure you that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for £60 million plus £10 million because I never made that promise,” Varandas stated.

“To date, Sporting has not received any offers for Gyokeres – not today, nor last season.”

A transfer to Old Trafford would allow the forward to reunite with former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, creating an enticing opportunity.

However, Varandas acknowledged that with Gyokeres now in his prime, it’s challenging to predict whether he will depart for a significant fee in the future.

“One of the concerns from the agent was whether we would invoke the termination clause,” Varandas explained.

“He sought reassurance on certain matters. What was agreed? That Sporting would not insist on a release clause at this time.

“For one reason: at 27 years of age, no player typically leaves Portugal for €100 million or €90 million.

“During that same discussion, the agent wanted to attach a specific value to an exit. I responded by saying, ‘Setting a fixed value isn’t worthwhile because I can’t predict what will happen in a year’s time. It might be €40 million, €60 million, or €80 million. What I can promise is that I won’t demand €100 million.’”