Viktor Gyokeres edging closer to Man Utd move

By SABC Sport
10th January 2025

Manchester United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, thanks to a reported 'gentleman's agreement' on his transfer fee.

Since moving from Coventry City to Sporting in the summer of 2023, Gyokeres has been in sensational form, netting 74 goals in 79 matches.

His performances helped Sporting secure the league title in the previous season and maintain a lead at the top of the table this season.

Under Ruben Amorim's guidance, before he transitioned to Manchester United in November, Gyokeres thrived.

Amorim's interest in bringing the striker to Old Trafford has been well-documented. However, due to United's current buy-to-sell policy and the potential loan departure of Marcus Rashford, the transfer might not materialize until the summer.

Sporting, on their part, are not keen on letting go of their star striker mid-season, especially after assurances from Amorim. Yet, according to Portuguese outlet Record, there's an agreement that could see Gyokeres move for a fee between 58.6 million and 62.8 million pounds, significantly less than his 83 million pound release clause.

The competition for Gyokeres won't be easy for United, as both Bayern Munich and Barcelona have shown interest.

If Gyokeres does join United, he would likely compete with Rasmus Hojlund for the starting position. Former United defender Paul Parker has already weighed in on this potential rivalry, casting doubts on Hojlund's capabilities.

Parker criticized Hojlund's performance, stating to bettingexpert.com, "I definitely think it's justified 100% (criticism from the media). He hasn't been good enough, and he's not the kind of player United need. He constantly falls over, and that's something people are talking about."

He further elaborated on Hojlund's lack of growth and effectiveness, contrasting his play with that of Darwin Nunez from Liverpool, who, despite his mistakes, brings a different kind of threat on the pitch.

As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how these negotiations unfold, especially with the backdrop of this unique transfer agreement that could change the landscape of Manchester United's forward line.