Manchester United have been given a glimmer of hope in their efforts to sign Viktor Gyokeres, after the latest remarks made by Sporting CP’s president.
United want Gyokeres
United need a striker and they’d struggle to find one much better than Gyokeres. The Swede enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign, notching a mind-boggling 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.
He’s thought to be on United’s transfer radar, with Ruben Amorim keen on an incredible reunion after their successful stint together at Sporting.
But a combination of factors, including Gyokeres’ preference to join Arsenal and his ongoing bitter public spat with Sporting, has cast serious doubts about whether a switch to Old Trafford is feasible.
Arsenal are regarded as frontrunners for Gyokeres’ signature and there is a belief that they’ve had at least one bid for him rejected by the Portuguese giants. The player has an agreement over personal terms in place with the Gunners and is patiently waiting for them to strike an agreement with Sporting.
Over the past few months, the expectation was that Sporting would allow Gyokeres to depart Estádio José Alvalade for a cut-price fee but a club president, Frederico Varanda,s recently disputed this, arguing that the striker will only leave on their own terms.
Incensed by what he considers Sporting’s betrayal, Gyokeres threatened to go on strike – a threat he’s now made good on. The 27-year-old was scheduled to report back for pre-season training on July 12, having been granted a delayed return by the club, but he failed to turn up.
A report covered by The Peoples Person indicated that Gyokeres is gradually warming to the idea of a move to United as his Arsenal switch stalls. Now, Varandas’ latest comments have given the Red Devils even more encouragement.
Varandas issues strong statement
Varandas spoke to the media and confirmed that Gyokeres will face disciplinary action after missing training.
The Sporting CP chief also confirmed that talks have been held with Arsenal, but they will not budge on their demands and if the London club don’t meet their asking price, they have no problem keeping Gyokeres in their ranks.
If Arsenal heed Varandas’ words and pull out of negotiations, this could potentially give United an opening to swoop in and land Gyokeres.
Varandas told Agencia Lusa [via Ben Jacobs on X], “We’re calm. Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a heavy fine and an apology to the group.”
“If they [Arsenal] don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value, we’ll be very comfortable with that for the next three years.”
“If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave.”
“No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are.”
🚨🗣️ Sporting president Frederico Varandas issues a strong statement to Agencia Lusa after Gyökeres did not report back to training, as expected.
“We’re calm. Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a heavy fine and an apology to the group.
“If they [Arsenal]… pic.twitter.com/y9OT6lhqMu
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 12, 2025
We’ve certainly not heard the last of this situation. It’ll be interesting to see how it pans out and whether or not Gyokeres gets a summer move.
Featured image Gualter Fatia 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!
