🚨 Another Viktor Gyökeres U-Turn: Prolific Striker Reopens Door to Manchester United Move
In a stunning twist to one of the summer’s most unpredictable transfer sagas, Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly reopened the door to a move to Manchester United, just days after negotiations appeared to stall due to Sporting CP’s stubborn stance.
According to fresh reports from Portugal and England, the Swedish striker has softened his position and is now open to a Premier League switch, with Manchester United back at the front of the queue thanks to the influence of Rúben Amorim—his former boss at Sporting who is now leading the rebuild at Old Trafford.
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🔄 U-Turn Explained: Why the Change of Heart?
Gyökeres had initially signalled his intention to stay at Sporting CP, publicly committing to the club after an outstanding debut season in Portugal where he netted 43 goals in all competitions. But several key factors have now prompted a re-evaluation of his future:
1. Rúben Amorim’s Move to Manchester United
The Swede shares a strong relationship with Amorim, who brought the best out of him last season. The pair reportedly remain in regular contact, and Amorim is said to have personally urged United’s board to do everything possible to bring the striker to Old Trafford.
2. Sporting’s Transfer Strategy
Sporting have not backed Gyökeres with new attacking reinforcements and are instead focusing on sales. With no Champions League football guaranteed, the striker is believed to be reconsidering whether staying another year in Lisbon benefits his long-term career.
3. Barcelona and Arsenal Pulling Out
Both Arsenal and Barcelona were previously in the race but have since backed away due to Sporting president Frederico Varandas’ refusal to negotiate below the €100 million release clause. This leaves United as the most serious and credible bidder.
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đź”´ Manchester United Ready to Act
Manchester United have long admired Gyökeres and view him as the ideal No. 9 to lead the line in Amorim’s high-pressing, fast-transition system. With their pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee stalling over agent fees and Rasmus Højlund’s struggles continuing, Gyökeres has surged back to the top of the priority list.
Club officials are now considering a structured offer to Sporting:
An initial fee of €65-70 million
Performance-based add-ons
Possible inclusion of a fringe player to sweeten the deal
Though Varandas remains firm on the full release clause, sources close to the negotiations believe Gyökeres’ own willingness to leave could shift the power dynamic.
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🧠Amorim’s Role Is Crucial
Rúben Amorim’s influence cannot be overstated. The Portuguese coach knows Gyökeres’ strengths, habits, and mentality inside out — and sees him as the missing piece in a United squad still lacking a reliable goal scorer.
Speaking last week, Amorim refused to address the striker situation directly but hinted at a “very clear profile” the club was targeting.
> “We want someone who knows our demands, can press high, and score consistently. The market is moving, and we are ready to respond.”
Gyökeres fits that description perfectly.
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📊 By the Numbers: Gyökeres in 2023/24
Games: 50
Goals: 43
Assists: 12
Shot conversion rate: 28%
Duels won per game: 5.3
Big chance creation: 21
These stats show that Gyökeres isn’t just a poacher — he’s a complete striker who contributes to build-up play, presses relentlessly, and delivers in big moments. Exactly what United have lacked since the decline of Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
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🗣️ Fan and Media Reaction
The news of Gyökeres’ U-turn has sparked a wave of excitement among Manchester United fans.
> @StretfordSource: “We NEED this guy. Rashford off-form, Højlund inconsistent. Gyökeres is Amorim’s soldier. Get it done.”
> @UtdFaithful: “No nonsense, physical, proven scorer. The perfect fit. Forget the fee — this is the signing we build around.”
Football media have also begun speculating whether United will now go “all in” for Gyökeres, especially with INEOS expected to loosen spending restrictions for transformative deals.
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🛑 What Could Still Block the Deal?
Despite the optimism, several challenges remain:
Sporting CP’s Hardline Negotiation Stance: Varandas is insistent that no player leaves for less than their clause.
Financial Fair Play (FFP): United must balance the books, especially after signing several players over recent seasons.
Wage Structure: Gyökeres would demand a top-tier salary, possibly putting him among the club’s highest earners.
But given the scale of United’s problems in front of goal — and Amorim’s direct request — sources believe United may be willing to break their wage and fee structure to land a transformative signing.
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đź”® What Happens Next?
Talks between United and Sporting are expected to resume in the coming days, with the Red Devils prepared to accelerate negotiations now that the player is open to a move.
United may also be forced to offload players like Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, or Jadon Sancho to make room financially and structurally for Gyökeres.
If all goes well, a deal could be completed before the club’s upcoming U.S. pre-season tour, allowing Amorim to begin the season with his key man in place.
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đź“ť Final Word
Viktor Gyökeres’ U-turn is a massive boost for Manchester United, who are desperate to solve their long-standing striker crisis. With Arsenal and Barcelona out of the picture, and the player himself now open to the move, United have a rare opportunity to land one of Europe’s most lethal forwards — but only if they act decisively.
In a summer of change at Old Trafford, this could be the moment that defines the new era under RĂşben Amorim.
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#MUFC | #Gyökeres | #ManchesterUnited | #SportingCP | #Amorim | #TransferNews
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