Manchester, June 12, 2025 – As Manchester City’s Erling Haaland garners renewed interest this summer, a ripple effect may emerge across the city—and across the Premier League. With City seemingly poised to adjust their striker line-up, Sporting CP’s prolific Viktor Gyökeres has emerged as Manchester United’s top target, with former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim now at Old Trafford pulling the strings in one of the window’s most intriguing potential deals.
Gyökeres: Sporting Superstar in Demand
The 27-year-old Swedish forward has delivered astonishing form in Portugal: 68 goals in 66 Sporting appearances, including back-to-back Primeira Liga Golden Boots and consecutive Bola de Prata honors . His physical style—combining muscular build, pace, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing—has led to comparisons with Erling Haaland, underlining why he’s now being linked with top European clubs .
From Sporting to Old Trafford: Amorim Factor
A key driver behind Gyökeres’ interest in a move may be manager Ruben Amorim, who coached him under Sporting’s banner before joining Manchester United in November 2024 . Their proven partnership—yielding 63 goals together—adds weight to the speculation. Fabrizio Romano reports that concrete talks have begun between United and Sporting, with both clubs eyeing a summer transfer window move
Furthermore, recent revelations suggest a “gentleman’s agreement” may allow United to sign Gyökeres this summer for a fee between £58.6–£62.8 million, well below his £85–83 million release clause.
Sporting Pushback: Price and Principle
Despite the agreement whispers, Sporting President Frederico Varandas has rebuffed suggestions of low-cost exits. He’s dismissed claims of verbal deals and accused Gyökeres’ camp of “blackmail,” emphasizing the club won’t accept pressure or insults .
Varandas confirmed that while they don’t intend to enforce the full €100 million release clause, they’ll negotiate a fee reflective of the striker’s value—likely starting nearer to €80–85 million (£70–75 million)
Haaland’s Move: Catalyst Across Manchester?
Erling Haaland’s ongoing dominance at City keeps him among the world’s elite strikers
. But any instability at City—be it tactical revamps or future transfers—often triggers a domino effect in Manchester’s transfer market.
If Haaland’s situation shifts, City may seek a fresh face up front, prompting them to scout elsewhere. Such moves could alter pricing, demand, or urgency, indirectly impacting United’s pursuit. Additionally, Gyökeres’ profile as a comparable explosive striker places him at the top of United’s radar.
Competitors Lurk
It’s not just United in this race. Arsenal has been tipped as a frontrunner too, with pundits like Emmanuel Petit suggesting their squad composition (e.g., lacking an out-and-out No.9) gives them an edge .
Meanwhile, clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, and even Bayern Munich have been linked, creating a competitive environment for his signature
Player’s Intent and Premier League Fit
Gyökeres himself reportedly prefers a summer move—despite denying January shifts—suggesting readiness to leave Sporting . However, he’s said to be waiting for the right club—one in the Champions League with upward momentum.
Man Utd’s current attacking struggles are well-documented: just 34 league goals from the front line, and Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee combining for fewer than six Premier League goals . This glaring weakness has intensified the need for a high-impact striker.
Negotiation Roadmap
United will likely depend on funds from player sales—Alejandro Garnacho reportedly valued at £50 million—and a prudent approach to squad strengthening . The strategy: acquire a top forward without breaking budget rules.
Sporting may push for €80 million+, United will push back to land him near €70 million. Bridging that gap—and satisfying Sporting’s “no blackmail” stance—will be the challenge. A timely agreement could reshape United’s attack significantly.
What’s Next?
- Negotiations: Will take place in the coming weeks, with Sporting holding out for a true marker of interest.
- Player Decision: Gyökeres’s preference could tilt the scales, especially regarding Champions League ambitions.
- Haaland Factor: City’s potential adjustments could change demand dynamics and availability.
Outlook
If signed, Gyökeres could provide United with the firepower needed to lift the club into genuine top-four contention. His alignment with Amorim’s philosophy and proven scoring record make him a catalyst candidate. But intertwined factors—City’s striker situation, competition from Europe’s giants, and Sporting’s financial stance—all leave the deal uncertain.
One thing is clear: Manchester United’s hunt for goals may soon centre on a Sporting superstar, armed with similarity to Haaland and the ambition to conquer Old Trafford.
