Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged Viktor Gyokeres to make his intentions clear and “cause a nightmare” at Sporting if he wants to secure a Premier League move this summer. The 27-year-old striker has dazzled in Portugal, scoring 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting across two seasons, attracting attention from top English clubs.
Despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, Gyokeres’ transfer is currently stalled by Sporting president Frederico Varandas. Varandas disputes claims from the player’s camp about a £59 million release agreement, denying any such gentleman’s deal exists.
Ferdinand reflected on his own experience at Leeds, where he pushed for a move once interest from Manchester United emerged. “I went to Peter Ridsdale and said, ‘Let’s get a deal done,’” Ferdinand said, emphasizing that Gyokeres should be pushing similarly to force a transfer.
While impressed by Gyokeres’ prolific scoring record in Portugal, Ferdinand remains cautious about the Swede’s readiness for the Premier League. He believes United should prioritize signing a proven and experienced No.9, citing Gyokeres’ need to prove himself against physically demanding opponents in Europe’s top competitions.
Gyokeres has remained tight-lipped amid the swirling transfer rumors, telling fans on Instagram he will “speak when the time is right.” Sporting’s manager Rui Borges praised the striker’s commitment to the club, describing him as “obsessed” with scoring and “the best striker in Europe” based on his numbers.
Gyokeres is currently contracted to Sporting until 2028, and while the club expects to lose him, they believe he will remain fully dedicated to the team until any move happens. For now, the striker’s next steps remain uncertain as talks between the player, Sporting, and interested Premier League sides continue.