Viktor Gyokeres’ impressive hat-trick in Sporting CP’s 4-0 victory over Manchester City has brought the Swedish forward into the spotlight. The win was particularly significant for Sporting’s coach, Ruben Amorim, who had previously experienced a heavy 5-0 defeat to City during a Champions League match in Lisbon in 2022.
Interestingly, on that same day, Gyokeres was representing Coventry City in a match that ended in a 2-0 loss to Cardiff City.
Gyokeres’ journey to Sporting was marked by his notable performances at Coventry City, where he scored 43 goals over 116 appearances. His talent did not go unnoticed by Amorim, leading to a transfer valued at £20 million to Sporting in 2023.
This move was influenced by the efforts of Gyokeres’ agent, who highlighted, “I only got Gyokeres to Sporting because of Ruben Amorim.”
Gyokeres’ recent standout performance has naturally sparked discussions linking him to a potential move to Manchester United, especially after his remarkable showing against City.
However, both Gyokeres and Amorim have been quick to temper any transfer rumors.
Amorim pointed out the significant release clause in Gyokeres’ contract, valued at £83.9 million, which complicates any potential deal. Reinforcing this, Amorim recently stated, “I will not take any of Sporting’s players in January,” underlining the €100 million price tag associated with Gyokeres.
This situation presents a complex scenario for Manchester United, as well as Dan Ashworth, who was Brighton & Hove Albion’s technical director when Gyokeres was sold to Coventry for £1 million in 2021. Coventry ultimately reaped a substantial £19 million profit from Gyokeres’ transfer to Sporting and could benefit further through a 15% sell-on clause in his current Sporting contract. However, this percentage could drop to 10% if Gyokeres achieves specific performance benchmarks.
Considering Coventry’s stake in any future sale of Gyokeres, Sporting may be inclined to push for an even higher transfer fee to maximize their return. This financial setup adds a layer of strategic complexity for any interested club, including Manchester United, who would need to navigate these contractual stipulations.
For Sporting, holding firm on Gyokeres’ price ensures they benefit fully while balancing Coventry’s share, making any potential negotiations for his transfer intricate.
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