A reunion between Viktor Gyokeres and Ruben Amorim is inching closer after Manchester United were given the green light to launch an official approach for the Sporting forward
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Viktor Gyokeres have been given a major boost after a key obstacle quietly disappeared. The club were thought to be outsiders in the race for Gyokeres’ signature, with Arsenal leading the pack for some time.
But it appears the Swedish goal machine is now open to joining the Red Devils, despite the fact that they won’t be playing Champions League football next season. No formal talks have been held between United and Sporting CP, but a reunion with Ruben Amorim now looks a genuine possibility, particularly with Arsenal focusing on a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Gyokeres was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in January, despite Amorim promising not to raid his old club for talent during the winter window. The Portuguese coach was as good as his word, but made no such promise about the summer transfer window.
Gyokeres, who turned 27 on Wednesday, is reportedly available for around £60million – a fee significantly lower than the £85m release clause in his contract. Given that United spent £72m on Rasmus Hojlund in 2023, that asking price may feel like a bargain.
However, agent fees and Gyokeres’ wage demands will need to be taken into account as well. The striker has scored an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, and despite currently earning just £39,000 per week at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, he is expected to seek a salary exceeding £250,000 per week.
Only five current United players earn weekly wages of £250,000 or more. Of those, three – Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Casemiro – are likely to leave this summer, while the remaining two – Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount – have also been linked with exits.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe aiming to rein in spending amid ongoing PSR concerns, United may hesitate to meet Gyokeres’ hefty demands. However, the chance to sign a striker of his calibre – especially with limited competition – could prove too tempting to ignore and a gamble worth taking.
Top European sides such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City already have world-class centre forwards in place, while United’s other Premier League rivals appear to be pursuing other options.
Chelsea recently beat United to the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap, and although they remain in the market for another forward, Hugo Ekitike appears to be their primary target. Liverpool are reportedly eyeing the Eintracht Frankfurt star as well, potentially viewing him as a replacement for Darwin Nunez, who is expected to leave Anfield this summer.
The Red Devils have already spent £62.5m on Matheus Cunha, and are looking to seal a similarly priced deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. However, with several departures anticipated across United’s forward line this summer, there is room – both in the squad and on the wage bill – for further additions.
Gyokeres could prove to be the ultimate statement signing – one capable of firing United back up the table following a truly dismal season. But as with so many things at Old Trafford these days, any move will require walking a financial tightrope. Whether it pays off or backfires, the consequences will be significant and unavoidable.
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