Viktor Gyokeres Furious Over Broken Promise, Refuses to Play for Sporting

Viktor Gyokeres is quickly becoming the headline act of this summer’s transfer window — and not for the reasons Sporting Lisbon would’ve hoped.

After two incredible seasons in Portugal, the Swedish striker is pushing hard for a Premier League move, with Manchester United now placing him at the top of their wish list. United, fresh off missing out on Liam Delap, have shifted their focus squarely onto Gyokeres, who bagged an outrageous 54 goals in 52 appearances last season and led Sporting to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles and a Taca de Portugal triumph. 

Sporting are reportedly open to selling their talisman, but their asking price has crept up, scaring off potential buyers and leaving Gyokeres deeply frustrated. So frustrated, in fact, that he’s now threatening to go on strike if a deal doesn’t go through.  

Sporting’s director opens up about Gyokeres transfer saga 

According to Sky Sports, Sporting president Frederico Varandas is adamant there’s been no agreement to let Gyokeres leave for a fixed fee. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60 million euros plus 10 million euros because I never promised that,” Varandas said. “To this day, Sporting has not received an offer for Gyokeres – neither today nor last summer.” 

Earlier reports out of Portugal claimed there was a so-called gentleman’s agreement with the striker’s agent that he’d be allowed to leave for around €60m plus €10m in add-ons. But Varandas has flatly denied that any such promise was made. “What was agreed in that meeting?” he added. “That Sporting would not demand the release clause [this summer]. For one reason, it was because we know no player leaves Portugal at 27 for €100m or €90m.” 

The €100m release clause is still in place, but Sporting are apparently willing to negotiate. The issue is, there’s been zero formal offers so far. And that’s left Gyokeres feeling angry and betrayed. He reportedly told the club he has no intention of playing for them again, believing Sporting have gone back on their word. 

With interest from both Manchester United and Arsenal, it’s clear that the Premier League is calling. But unless a club meets Sporting’s terms — or the Portuguese side budge — this saga could drag on. And with Gyokeres now refusing to suit up for the club, things are only heating up. 

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