Man United and Ruben Amorim ‘dealt Viktor Gyokeres transfer blow as Sporting star makes a decision on his future’
Man United have faced a setback in their bid to reunite Viktor Gykores with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
The Sporting striker’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, reportedly met with Bayern Munich, as he expressed his player’s desire to leave Portugal at the end of the season.
A move away would set potential suitors back around £82million, owing to a release clause in Gyokeres’ contract.
As well as Bayern, PSG and United are interested in the Swedish star, according to Sport Bild.
Reports in recent weeks have claimed that United will need to offload players before they are able to bring in fresh talent. In addition to the attacking positions, the side are in desperate need of wing backs to fit Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Last month Gyokeres, 26, fuelled speculation of a move to the Premier League when he outlined his desire to play in the English top-flight.
Man United are facing competition from some elite European clubs to land Viktor Gyokeres
Ruben Amorim worked with the Swedish star at Sporting after bringing him in from Coventry
Bayern Munich would like to add Gyokeres to their attacking arsenal alongside Harry Kane
The 26-year-old previously left Championship outfit Coventry in 2023, in a £20m deal following the club’s defeat in the second division play-off final against Luton.
‘Of course [moving to Sporting] was different, because I had the goal of playing in the Premier League,’ he told Swedish Daily.
‘That was my focus and the adjustment was difficult… but I thought about it, I talked to those around me who helped me a lot.
‘It started to look more and more like it was the right thing to do: play in a top team and have more chances during games.
‘In the end, it seems like it was the best choice for me.’
Gyokeres scored more club goals in all competitions in Europe’s top 10 leagues than any other player in 2024, netting 52 times. The next closest player was Barcelona’s Robert Lewandoski, who scored 40.
United have struggled in front of goal this season; only Crystal Palace (21), Ipswich (20), Everton (15) and Southampton (12) have scored less than the Red Devils (21) in the Premier League.
Their top scorers in the league are Bruno Fernandes and wantaway star Marcus Rashford, the pair each sitting on four a piece.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are United’s top scorers in the league this season (four)
Amorim reportedly made it clear to United’s hierarchy that he cannot wait to sign Gyokores
Meanwhile, Gyokeres has scored 21 goals in 17 league games this season, and a further five in the Champions League.
Amorim had previously denied suggestions that he will launch a raid on his former club in the short-term for Gyokeres but the severity of United’s situation may have prompted a change of heart.
The Portuguese boss reportedly told club chiefs that he cannot wait until the summer to land Gyokeres.
The Red Devils still lie 13th place, in the bottom half of the table, despite their hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Liverpool on the weekend.
