The football world has been abuzz with speculation that Sporting CP’s star striker Viktor Gyökeres could be on his way to Manchester United in the January transfer window. The 26-year-old Swedish international has been in scintillating form, netting an astonishing 23 goals in just 18 appearances this season. With former Sporting boss Rúben Amorim now at the helm at Old Trafford, many assumed a reunion was inevitable. But what does Gyökeres himself have to say about the swirling rumours?
Gyökeres Breaks His Silence on United Links
Speaking to Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, Gyökeres finally addressed the rampant speculation head-on. “It’s not something I think about, nor something I care about,” the striker insisted. “These are rumours, nothing concrete.”
Despite the incessant transfer chatter, Gyökeres made it clear that his focus remains squarely on his current club. “Of course I want to finish the season at Sporting, I enjoy my time there,” he affirmed. The prolific frontman went on to emphasize that he feels no pressure to engineer a move away from the Portuguese giants anytime soon.
I don’t feel stressed about making a change in the future. We’ll see when the time comes.
– Viktor Gyökeres
Amorim Factor Fuels Speculation
Much of the fervent speculation around a potential Gyökeres transfer to Manchester United stems from the striker’s close relationship with Rúben Amorim. The 37-year-old Portuguese manager, who took charge at Old Trafford on November 1st, coached Gyökeres at Sporting CP before making his own high-profile move to the Premier League giants.
Amorim’s influence on Gyökeres’ development has been undeniable. “He meant a lot to me, as he gave me an opportunity and helped me evolve a lot,” the Swede acknowledged. However, Gyökeres was quick to pour cold water on the notion that Amorim’s presence at United would necessarily pave the way for a reunion in Manchester.
He [Amorim] probably already has strikers there. It’s very sad that he left [Sporting], but of course we understand the decision.
– Viktor Gyökeres
Sporting Keen to Keep Their Scoring Sensation
While Gyökeres may be playing it cool publicly, there’s no doubt that Sporting CP will be desperate to hold onto their star striker. The Swedish sharpshooter has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving in Lisbon, scoring a league-high 29 goals en route to powering Sporting to the Primeira Liga title last season.
This campaign, Gyökeres has somehow managed to take his game to even greater heights. His 23 goals in 18 matches across all competitions includes a scintillating hat trick in Sporting’s shocking 4-1 Champions League dismantling of Manchester City on November 5th. With such prodigious production, it’s no wonder the footballing world is sitting up and taking notice.
Sporting Braced for January Bid?
Contracted to Sporting until June 2028, Gyökeres won’t come cheap for any potential suitors. According to sources close to the situation, Sporting have slapped a €100 million price tag on their prized asset in a bid to ward off interest from the likes of United, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Whether that sky-high valuation proves prohibitive remains to be seen. With the January transfer window fast approaching and Rúben Amorim now at the wheel at Old Trafford, the Viktor Gyökeres transfer saga looks set to be the defining storyline of the winter window. Despite his public protestations, don’t be surprised if the Swedish scoring sensation is lighting up the Premier League sooner rather than later.
