Manchester United’s summer transfer saga has once again turned the spotlight on Sporting Lisbon’s prolific striker, Viktor Gyokeres.
Romano: Only Champions League Could’ve Sealed Gyokeres to Manchester United
Fabrizio Romano — the go-to transfer guru — dropped a bombshell this week, admitting he was “99% convinced” that United would have sealed the deal if they’d secured Champions League football via Europa League glory.
The Portugal final slip-up came back to haunt the Red Devils. Without the European prize, Old Trafford’s coffers are tighter, adding fresh complexity to plans for a blockbuster move worth up to €70 million.
Still, Romano confirmed United have re‑engaged — reigniting conversations with Gyokeres’s camp.
Romano also revealed that Arsenal, Juventus—and even Saudi giants Al‑Hilal—are in the race. Yet, Gyokeres “is not favouring a move to Saudi Arabia” at this career stage.
That leaves the door wide open for a United reunion with the 27‑year-old, who flourished under new manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting.
Despite the pull of Champions League football, Gyokeres remains “very keen” on a move to the Theatre of Dreams — assuming finances align for both him and Sporting.
However, complication has arrived: Sporting now reportedly wants closer to €80 million, sparking fury from the striker.
Gyokeres feels the club has reneged on a “gentleman’s agreement” to let him go for around €60 million plus bonuses.
Portuguese outlet Record claims he has even removed Sporting mentions from his social media, signaling his frustration.
Still, all eyes are on United’s board. Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting, operating expenses are down nearly £42 million — enough to fund a major striker signing.
They’ve already secured Matheus Cunha, and are eyeing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Now, Gyokeres beckons as the missing piece in a squad that struggled to break the net last season.
What happens next? United must pivot fast — find a path through Sporting’s demands, get Gyokeres’s signature, and reignite their own ambitions.
For fans, one thing is clear: the next two weeks could define their forward line for years.
