Manchester United’s hopes of signing Viktor Gyokeres have been significantly boosted, with the Swedish striker reportedly open to a summer move to Old Trafford.
United had previously been considered outsiders in the race for Gyokeres, with Arsenal leading the chase. However, recent developments suggest the prolific forward is now warming to the idea of joining the Red Devils — despite their absence from European competition next season.
While no formal talks have taken place between United and Sporting CP, the situation could shift rapidly, especially with Arsenal now focusing their attention on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. That potential shift leaves the door open for United to swoop in.
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Gyokeres was linked with United in January, but then-Sporting manager Ruben Amorim had ruled out raiding his former club during the winter window. With no such commitment in place for the summer, that previous roadblock has now been removed.
The 26-year-old Swede, who boasts a remarkable 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, is valued at around £60 million — significantly less than the £85 million release clause in his contract. However, United must also consider hefty agent fees and Gyokeres’ reported wage demands, which could exceed £250,000 per week — a steep increase from his current £39,000-per-week salary in Lisbon.
At present, only five United players earn that kind of wage, and three of them — Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Casemiro — are expected to leave this summer. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount have also been linked with possible exits, potentially creating both squad space and room on the wage bill.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be tightening financial controls in light of Premier League financial sustainability regulations (PSR), which may complicate any high-wage negotiations. Still, the chance to land a striker of Gyokeres’ calibre — especially with limited direct competition — may prove too good to ignore.
Top European sides like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City are already well-stocked in the striker department, and most of United’s Premier League rivals are targeting alternative options. Chelsea, for example, just won the race for Ipswich starlet Liam Delap and are now pursuing Hugo Ekitike.
In contrast, United have a clearer path to securing Gyokeres — and with the Amorim barrier out of the way, the stars may be aligning.
