Sporting Lisbon’s President Confirms Viktor Gyokeres’s Transfer Likely But Warns Against Low Offers

Frederico Varandas, president of Sporting Lisbon, predicts that striker Viktor Gyokeres will leave the club this summer. However, he has cautioned interested teams that the Swedish forward will not be sold cheaply.

Gyokeres, 27, has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs after scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances over two seasons, helping Sporting secure consecutive league titles. Despite the potential sale, Varandas emphasized that Sporting isn’t desperate to sell and will respect Gyokeres’s aspirations if the right offer comes along.

“We are calm about Viktor’s future, but we recognize his desire to move if a fair market value is met,” he said. “We are open to negotiations, and after recent discussions, we won’t be demanding his release clause. I believe there’s a strong chance he will leave.”

Varandas highlighted recent transfer fees as benchmarks, citing Zubimendi’s €65 million transfer and negotiations involving Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, which hovered around €75 million. He clarified that Sporting expects a fee greater than those amounts for Gyokeres.

“Considering the demands we find reasonable, Viktor could depart unless he has an exceptionally poor agent,” he added, asserting Gyokeres’s world-class talent.

While reports suggest Sporting aims for around €80 million, clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal are interested. United, having already signed Cunha and rejected bids for Brentford’s Mbeumo, is one of the frontrunners.

Varandas made it clear that the club won’t settle for under €70 million, dismissing offers below €60 million plus add-ons. He outlined two possible outcomes: either Gyokeres moves on at a fair price, or he remains with Sporting for another season with three years left on his contract.

“If Viktor stays, it benefits us, and it will be challenging for our rivals,” he said. Sporting has prepared to reinforce the squad should Gyokeres leave, ensuring minimal disruption for the upcoming season.

Gyokeres is currently on holiday after international duty and is expected to report for pre-season training in Lisbon on July 7 unless a transfer is completed beforehand.