Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres has come out with a strong response to Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas, who accused the player and his agent of using “threats, blackmail and insults” to engineer an exit this summer.
United are on the market for a new striker after another incredibly difficult season for Rasmus Hojlund.
After announcing the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and with a deal for Bryan Mbeumo on the brink of completion, United’s attention is set to shift towards securing the services of a reliable goalscorer.
Gyokeres is believed to be a name on United’s list following a prolific campaign that saw him notch 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.
It was thought that Gyokeres would not be interested on a move to United after the Red Devils failed to qualify for the Champions League but in an incredible transfer twist, it was revealed that he is keen on a reunion with Ruben Amorim, even without European football.
This was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who relayed that United have already had contact with Gyokeres’ camp.
Throughout, it has been consistently suggested that despite Gyokeres’ €100 million release clause, Sporting are willing to let the Swedish striker leave for a significantly lower fee and won’t stand in his way. The expectation was that an initial sum of €60 million, plus €10 million depending on objectives, would be enough to get a deal over the line.
However, it has since emerged that Gyokeres’ relationship with Sporting has taken a turn for the worse after the striker discovered the club is demanding far more from suitors than what was previously agreed.
Consequently, the player is believed to be prepared to go on strike as he is not willing to play for the Liga NOS outfit again.
In response, Sporting president Frederico Varandas cut short his holiday and delivered an explosive address to the media, insisting that there was no gentleman’s agreement between Gyokeres’ camp and the club.
Varandas noted that the 27-year-old will not be allowed to leave unless their price is met, and they want more than €70m. He also took aim at Gyokeres and his agents, accusing them of resorting to threats, insults and blackmail in a bid to get their way.
Now, Gyokeres has issued a statement, insisting that what Varandas told the media is “false.”
The United target has said [as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X], “There’s a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false.”
“I will speak when the time is right.”
🚨🔥 Viktor Gyökeres fires back after Sporting president words: “There’s a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false”.
“I will speak when the time is right”. pic.twitter.com/ZoIGOKTJUZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2025
Whether United will press ahead with their pursuit of Gyokeres or be deterred by the unfolding drama remains to be seen.
Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
