Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly told Sporting CP that he will no longer play for the club, following a major fallout over a broken transfer agreement.
The 27-year-old striker is now at the center of a high-stakes transfer dispute, with interest mounting from top European clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
⚠️ Gyökeres Transfer Dispute: What Happened?
According to reports from Portuguese outlet Record (print edition, page 8), Gyökeres had a verbal agreement with Sporting CP to leave in the summer for a fee of €60 million (£50.8m), plus €10 million in performance-based bonuses.
However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has allegedly raised the asking price to €80 million, breaking the original understanding. This unexpected change has reportedly infuriated Gyökeres, who now refuses to return to the Estádio José Alvalade.
“The Swedish striker has told Sporting, in no uncertain terms, that he will no longer wear the club’s jersey,” the report claims.
💬 Gyökeres Feels Sporting Broke a ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’
Sources close to the player believe this is a clear breach of the gentleman’s agreement made in September 2024, which had given Gyökeres the green light to pursue a move if a suitable offer arrived.
With no public statement from Sporting CP yet, Varandas is expected to address the situation during a press conference in Leiria today.
If talks stall, Gyökeres is reportedly prepared to cut short his holiday in Sweden to speak out publicly—a move he’s avoided out of respect for the club’s fans.
🔥 Top Clubs in Race for Gyökeres Transfer
Despite growing tension in Lisbon, interest in Gyökeres remains strong across Europe and beyond:
🏆 Leading Clubs Linked:
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Arsenal – Reportedly in pole position, but may prioritize RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško
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Manchester United – Keen on the striker but may need to offload players before making a formal offer
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Juventus – Interested, but financial limitations could hinder a deal
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Al-Hilal – Offered £570,000 per week, but Gyökeres prefers to stay in Europe
💼 Transfer Summary:
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Current Club: Sporting CP
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Position: Striker
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Age: 27
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Preferred Move: Top-tier European football
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Asking Price: €80 million (£68.3 million)
🔍 Arsenal vs Manchester United: Who Will Sign Gyökeres?
While Arsenal appear to be in a strong position, their focus on Šeško could open the door for Manchester United. However, United’s transfer budget constraints—especially after signing Matheus Cunha and negotiating for Bryan Mbeumo—may delay a formal bid.
Yet, Gyökeres’ strong relationship with Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim, who is admired by INEOS executives at United, could give the Premier League club a crucial edge—even without Champions League football as a lure.
🚨 Final Verdict: Viktor Gyökeres Set for Summer Exit?
With trust between player and club broken, it’s increasingly likely that Viktor Gyökeres will leave Sporting CP this summer. His refusal to play marks a clear turning point, and both Arsenal and Manchester United are closely monitoring developments.
As the transfer window heats up, fans and analysts alike should keep an eye on this evolving saga.