Manchester United Transfer News: Sporting CP Warns of £70m Price Tag for Viktor Gyökeres
In a recent development in the world of football transfers, Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has issued a stern warning to Manchester United and other interested parties, stating that striker Viktor Gyökeres will not be available for €70 million (£60m) this summer. According to ESPN, the Portuguese club is holding out for a significantly higher fee, with the player’s release clause set at €100m.
Gyökeres, who joined Sporting CP from Coventry City in July 2023, has been in impressive form, scoring 97 times in 102 games in all competitions. His performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal. However, Varandas has made it clear that the club will not be selling their prized asset on the cheap. "I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m plus €10 because I never promised that," Varandas told reporters, as ESPN reported.
The Sporting CP president also revealed that the club has not received any offers for Gyökeres, despite reports suggesting that Manchester United is interested in signing him. "To date, Sporting has not received an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season," Varandas said. He also dismissed reports that Gyökeres is unhappy with the club, stating that the player has a three-year contract and is a "fantastic professional."
Varandas did, however, confirm that he had an agreement with Gyökeres to allow him to leave for less than his €100m release clause. "It was agreed that Sporting would not demand the termination clause at the end of this season, not least because he was turning 27," Varandas explained. "We knew Viktor’s dream was to go to a club where he could fight for the Champions League, and we have common sense. We guaranteed that we would not demand the €100m."
The news is likely to come as a blow to Manchester United, who are reportedly prioritising the signing of Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo before focusing on a potential move for Gyökeres. According to ESPN, Arsenal is also interested in signing the Swedish striker.
In conclusion, it seems that Sporting CP is holding firm on their valuation of Gyökeres, and Manchester United and Arsenal will have to pay top dollar if they want to secure his services. As ESPN reported, Varandas has made it clear that the club will not be swayed by threats or offers below the player’s worth. With Gyökeres’s impressive form and the interest from top clubs, it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga unfolds in the coming weeks.
Varandas’s comments have made it clear that Sporting CP will not be selling Gyökeres on the cheap, and the club is confident in their position. As the transfer window heats up, football fans will be keeping a close eye on developments in this story. Stay tuned for further updates on this and other transfer news.
The source for this article is: ESPN.
