Sporting CP Warns Man United Over Viktor Gyökeres: No €70m Deal on Table
By IDNN European Football Transfer Desk
LISBON, PORTUGAL – June 13, 2025 | IDNN European Football Transfer Desk
Sporting CP has delivered a blunt message to Manchester United and Arsenal — Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €70 million, despite growing tension between the club and the player’s representatives.
The Swedish striker has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest commodities, but Sporting president Frederico Varandas told reporters that talk of a €60m+€10m package was “never agreed” and that the club will not be pressured into a premature sale.
United’s Eyes on a Budget Deal?
Manchester United had reportedly hoped to wrap up a double-striker summer by securing Bryan Mbeumo and then Gyökeres — banking on a relatively reduced fee of €70 million for the latter. But Sporting has now shut that door firmly.
“To date, Sporting has not received any offer for Gyökeres — not this summer, not last,” Varandas told Portuguese media. “And we never promised a €70m exit.”
Agent Accused of Stirring Drama
Varandas blamed the striker’s agent for misrepresenting the club’s internal agreements to the press.
“There was an understanding we wouldn’t activate the €100m clause if the right club came with a fair proposal,” he admitted. “But we never pinned down a specific figure. We left it open-ended — based on performance, health, and the market.”
Gyökeres Stats: Market Value Justified
Since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, the Swedish forward has lit up the Portuguese league with 97 goals in 102 games, instantly becoming a fan favourite and a vital asset in Sporting’s Champions League push.
Varandas emphasized that Gyökeres remains under contract and that the club has no urgent need to sell.
Arsenal Also Monitoring
With Arsenal still assessing their attacking options, Gyökeres’ name has resurfaced in the Emirates rumour mill. But with no concrete offer on the table and Sporting standing firm, the window could turn into a drawn-out standoff.
“There will be no panic sale,” Varandas added. “We keep our word, but we won’t be bullied by agents or narratives.”
Clock Ticking on Preseason
With preseason looming and Champions League planning underway, any move for Gyökeres would now need to happen fast — and at a significantly higher price than United hoped.
The Red Devils — and any club aiming for the prolific Swede — must now decide whether to up their offer or walk away.
