Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has admitted that star striker Viktor Gyokeres is likely to leave the club this summer, but made it clear that any potential transfer will not come cheap.
The 27-year-old Sweden international has become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe after a sensational debut season with Sporting.
Since joining from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has racked up 97 goals and 28 assists in just 102 appearances, including an extraordinary 54-goal haul in the 2023/24 campaign.
An earlier report by Softfootball confirmed that Gyokeres is being targeted by Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
Sporting Lisbon President Frederico Varandas confirmed that there is a strong probability Gyokeres will depart during the current window. However, he firmly ruled out any chance of a bargain deal.
“Sporting does not need to sell Viktor, but we’re open to his ambitions, we’re not demanding the full €100m (£85m) release clause, but he certainly won’t leave for €60m plus €10m in add-ons.”
Varandas stated.
Varandas also compared the market value of Gyokeres to other high-profile players, pointing out that Martin Zubimendi moved for €65m and both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are being priced around €75m.
“They don’t have Viktor’s value or quality,”
he added.
Despite the strong interest from Premier League clubs, Sporting are under no financial pressure to sell. The club insists any deal must reflect Gyokeres’ elite-level performances and market stature.
“If he stays, we’ll be delighted — and it’ll be a problem for our rivals, but if he goes, we’re ready to act.”
Varandas said.
A recent report from Softfootball.com revealed that Viktor Gyökeres has delivered a clear ultimatum to Sporting CP, demanding a summer move to Arsenal. The 26-year-old has reportedly refused to report for pre-season, escalating tensions over the stalled transfer.
With Arsenal still keen and Sporting holding firm, all eyes are now on how this standoff unfolds — and whether Gyökeres gets the Premier League move he’s pushing for. One thing is certain: this saga is far from over.