Man United-linked Viktor Gyokeres makes Sporting transfer decision ahead of summer window

The 26-year-old has developed into one of Europe's most prolific strikers since joining Sporting from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.

Gyokeres racked up 43 goals in 50 competitive appearances in the 2023-24 campaign, including 29 goals in 33 league matches to help Sporting clinch the league title under Ruben Amorim's watch.

The Sweden international looks set to surpass last season's tally after netting 37 goals in 39 games in all competitions.

As a result of those impressive numbers, Gyokeres is attracting significant interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

Gyokeres makes Sporting transfer decision

Man United are among Gyokeres' potential suitors, with the Red Devils believed to be receiving weekly updates on his situation, along with another possible target Victor Osimhen.

The 20-time English champions have now seemingly been handed a boost in their efforts to reunite Gyokeres with his former coach Amorim at Old Trafford.

According to Record, via the Daily Mail, Gyokeres is planning to pursue a move away from the Portuguese giants in the summer market.

Gyokeres is keen to 'exit in glory' by leading Sporting to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles before bidding farewell at the end of the season.

Sporting are at the top of the table with 56 points from 24 matches, but they have played one game more than second-placed Benfica, who are just three points adrift of the league leaders.

Porto will also have an outside chance of claiming the title, with six points separating them from Sporting with 10 matches left to play.

The report claims that Man United could face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

Why are Man United targeting Gyokeres?

Having experienced difficulty throughout the current campaign, the Red Devils will be desperate to bolster Amorim's squad ahead of the 2025-26 season.

The number nine position is one area that in need of strengthening, with Rasmus Hojlund struggling to deliver as the club's first-choice striker.

The Denmark international has scored just seven goals in 36 competitive appearances, and he is in the midst of a goal drought which dates back to December.

Joshua Zirkzee has also found it difficult to consistently find the net, mustering six goals in 41 matches since arriving from Real Sociedad last summer.

The Dutchman has been used as in one of the two number 10 positions in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system in recent games, including in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, scoring the opener in the 57th minute to suggest he is better suited to that role rather than being a central striker.

Written by

Ben Sully