Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has already offered a hint about his future amid continued transfer links with Arsenal. The Gunners were heavily linked with signing Gyokeres during the summer transfer window as well as in January earlier this year. Gyokeres has been in fine form for Sporting this season, scoring 16 goals in just 15 appearances for the Portuguese club in all competitions to accompany the 43 he scored last term. Arsenal have seen their names mentioned in the rumour mill for several of the top strikers across Europe, including Gyokeres. However, despite the links, Mikel Arteta and Co. opted not to sign a centre forward last summer and currently have Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as the recognised strikers at the club. Recent weeks has seen Arsenal linked with signing Gyokeres once again, although this time they are joined by Manchester United on the rumour mill.
Man United recently confirmed the appointment of Sporting manager Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, which has led to rumours that the Red Devils could swoop in and sign Gyokeres to reunite with his former manager. It was back in September that Gyokeres spoke honestly about his future at Sporting. The Sweden international dropped a hint that he could be open to a fresh challenge in the future.
"I enjoy myself very much in Sporting and can't complain about anything, so it's absolutely no problem for me to stay," Gyokeres told Sport Bladet in September. "Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress." Gyokeres is also reported to have a €100million (£83.7million) release clause in his contract at Sporting. The striker was also asked about the price tag and whether or not the size of the fee was too steep.
"It was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it," said Gyokeres. "Of course, it's a lot of money. But we'll see what happens next window.
"Well, nothing happened, and it feels like I had a pretty good season," Gyokeres added. "So yes [too high release clause], that's probably why there was simply no move. But that's what Sporting thinks I'm worth, and then you have to respect that."
The ‘Doomed Project’ at Manchester United
It's interesting to note that despite the high price tag and the fact that he's already playing at a high level, Gyokeres is still looking to move to a higher level. Some see Manchester United as a step down, despite the history and prestige of the club. Gyokeres' comments in September suggest he's looking for a challenge. Will Manchester United be able to provide him with the opportunity he craves, or is the club still too far away from its former glory days?
One article from Football365 titled "Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd Doomed Project?" explores this point, questioning whether Gyokeres would join a club that has fallen on hard times. The article argues that "Gyokeres in particular I would think would want to try himself at a better club, a different manager and not a doomed project."
The Manager's Influence
The fact that Ruben Amorim is now manager at Manchester United likely plays a role in Gyokeres' thinking. The two worked together successfully at Sporting Lisbon, and Gyokeres may be tempted to follow his former manager to the Premier League.
However, the appointment of Amorim is not universally applauded. Several commentators, including those on Football365, have raised concerns about Amorim's ability to turn around the fortunes of a club like Manchester United. The article "Gyokeres to Man Utd? Really?" raises questions about whether Amorim can succeed at Old Trafford, especially given the club's recent struggles.
The Future of Viktor Gyokeres
It's too early to say where Viktor Gyokeres will end up. But one thing is clear: he is a highly sought-after player, and his next move is sure to be closely watched by fans around the world. If he does move to Manchester United, it will be interesting to see if he can live up to the hype and help the club return to the top of the English game. It's a big challenge, but Gyokeres has the talent and ambition to succeed.
The Sky Blues' Contribution
The Sky Blues, Coventry City, have a claim to fame in the Gyokeres saga, having given him a platform to showcase his talent. Coventry manager Mark Robins, a lifelong Manchester United supporter, is clearly proud of the role his team played in Gyokeres' development. In an article titled "If Viktor Gyokeres follows in his former manager’s footsteps and ends up playing for Manchester United, Mark Robins might afford himself a bit of secret satisfaction that he helped one of the “best strikers in Europe” on his journey to the top of his game." the Coventry Telegraph describes Robins' perspective on the situation. Robins believes that Gyokeres' success is due to his own “intrinsic” drive, but acknowledges the role that Coventry played in giving him the opportunity to shine.
In the end, it's Gyokeres' decision, but it seems clear that he's looking for a new challenge. Whether that challenge comes at Manchester United or elsewhere, remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: Viktor Gyokeres is a name to watch in the world of football.
