A striker on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal is worth every penny of his 100 million euro price-tag.
At least, that is according to his head coach.
And, really, this is what you would expect Ruben Amorim to say. If Sporting Lisbon are to lose their talismanic centre-forward in the near future, they might as well try to eke every single penny out of his sale.
HITC understands that Arsenal were present to watch Viktor Gyokeres in the flesh as Sporting took on Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season friendly back in July.
The spring-heeled Sweden international is also on the radar of Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s side still on the lookout of an elite number nine. Liverpool are keeping a very close eye on developments too, amid concerns over Darwin Nunez’s long-term suitability for a team of such lofty ambitions.
Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Viktor Gyokeres
Nunez, of course, also arrived at Anfield from Lisbon.
But Gyokeres can point to a terrific goalscoring return at Coventry City as proof of his ability to handle the pace and power of English football. Pace and power, meanwhile, are just two of the attributes that have seen Gyokeres blossom into one of the best all-round strikers on the continent.
Sporting boss Amorim became the third-most expensive manager in history when Sporting triggered the £10 million clause in his Braga contract back in 2020.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, would become one of the most-expensive players if his own clause is to be triggered.
“The first time I spoke at Alvalade, I said that I never believed they would pay that much for me. (Gyokeres) must feel the same,” Amorim tells CNN Portugal. “It’s a very high clause.
“Gyokeres is a great player and I think he’s worth 100 million euros. That’s the price he has and we have to go ahead with it. Whoever wants to (sign him) will have to pay 100 million euros.”
That could change soon, however.
HITC understands that Gyokeres may sign a new deal at Sporting Lisbon. But, rather than bring an end to the speculation surrounding the one-time Swansea City youngster, a fresh contract is likely to do precisely the opposite.
HITC have been told that, if Gyokeres is to put pen to paper, he may demand a new release clause lower than the £84 million one in his current deal.
It is also believed that Sporting could be willing to accept offers in the £60 million region.
Sporting striker justifies Erling Haaland comparisons
A fearsome physical specimen and a lethal finisher to boot, the Stockholm-born 26-year-old was likened to Erling Haaland by former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray during his time in the Championship. And the numbers Gyokeres is producing over in Portugal are ones even Haaland himself would be proud of.
There was 43 goals and 15 assists last season, Gyokeres firing Sporting to their second Primeira Liga title of the Amorim era. Picking up where he left off, Gyokeres has seven in five appearances so far in 2024/25.
“There are naturally many players in good shape. Gyokeres is one of them (impressing me),” Manchester United captain and former Sporting star Bruno Fernandes said in March.
“He’s scored a lot of goals.”
”I don’t understand how (there is) a player of Gyokeres’ quality (combined) with the physical power he has…” adds a player who swapped Lisbon for London in ex-Fulham ace Joao Palhinha, speaking to O Jogo.
“I think would fit well into any England team. Sporting managed to sign him and thank goodness because he has been an asset in every game.
“His performance has been very high in the Portuguese championship. Sporting will certainly make a lot of money with him.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
