Viktor Gyökeres will be hoping Manchester United act on his transfer in the coming days, as he could find himself in hot water with Sporting CP come July 7.
After a sensational season in which he racked up 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances, the 27-year-old believes now is the perfect time to take the next step in his career.
United (who he reportedly gave assurances of his desire to join last week) and Arsenal remain the frontrunners for his signature.
However, while the Premier League duo weigh up formal moves, Gyökeres feels that Sporting are unfairly shifting the goalposts by demanding more than what they had agreed upon.
Gyökeres transfer fee tussle
The striker and his camp claim there was an understanding with the Primeira Liga champions that he would be available this summer for €60 million (£51.4 million) plus €10 million ( £8.5 million) in add-ons.
However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas has dismissed those claims, insisting that while they won’t demand a “crazy” €100 million (£85 million), the striker will only leave for what they deem the right price.
This standoff has completely fractured the relationship between the Swedish forward and the Portuguese club.
The former Coventry man is likely growing anxious, especially with other top young strikers like Hugo Ekitike, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Šeško also on the market; any of whom his suitors could pivot to.
Feeling betrayed, Gyökeres is reportedly prepared to go on strike to force the club to honour their agreement.
Sporting, however, remain adamant they will not be strong-armed into selling on the cheap.
For them, it is €70 million (£60 million) plus bonuses or nothing at all.
Gyökeres expected back for Sporting CP pre-season, or else
Sporting expect Gyökeres to report for pre-season training on Monday, 7 July.
However, in a show of dissatisfaction, it has been suggested that he messaged the club, threatening not to return.
Should he fail to report to the Alcochete academy without valid justification, it would be considered a serious disciplinary offence, according to Correio da Manhã.
The club would view his absence as a sign of disrespect and impose a fine calculated as a percentage of his salary, one that increases with each day he is absent.
Sporting fear that prolonged absenteeism could impact Gyökeres’ fitness, reduce his market value, damage his career, and even jeopardise some of the club’s sponsorship deals.
Time running out
Whether Gyökeres is willing to risk a fine remains to be seen.
What is clear is that he will be hoping United (or even Arsenal) finally make their move before Monday.
But even if they do, would a club be willing to pay more than what the player insists was already agreed? Only time will tell.
Feature image Michael Campanella via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
