Viktor Gyokeres is having an incredible season with Sporting Lisbon with 20 goals to his name, so we are not one bit surprised to see the Swede linked with a move to Manchester United and other European giants.
One pursuit that could put a spanner in the works for United may stem from La Liga giants Barcelona.
While Gyokeres has been on a goalscoring spree under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, scoring four goals in Friday night’s comfortable win, United have continued to struggle for goals as they could only convert one of their chances in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The Reds have scored just nine goals in 10 Premier League matches, which helps explain why we are sat in the bottom half of the table.
Amorim, who arrives to begin work on November 11, is tasked with getting a tune out of United’s attacking players. To unleash them in such a way the team can get back to winning football matches on a consistent basis.
Although he won’t have an upper hand in recruitment, Amorim may want to bring one of his star players from Sporting with him to provide goals in the Premier League.
Former Coventry City star Gyokeres proved himself as the best player in the Championship before achieving the same feat in Portugal. Now, he’s a recognised force across Europe, with the biggest clubs in the world wanting to secure his signature.
Gyokeres scored a whopping 43 goals last season, so his tally of 20 goals in 16 goals is no fluke.
Viktor Gyokeres coy on Manchester United links; Barcelona rumours
The Sporting star already opened up on potential rumours of a move to United, where Gyokeres could follow Amorim to Old Trafford.
Since then Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via Fichajes) claim that United will face competition for his signature from Barcelona.
Barcelona are looking for a heir to Robert Lewandowski and Gyokeres has been identified as their prime target to fill this role.
The report notes Gyokeres’ release clause of €100 million, but state that Sporting would be open to negotiating his transfer for €60-70m.
Barcelona’s financial issues mean they need to compensate some way or other. It is said that they are willing to include Vitor Roque in the offer to convince Lisbon. The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Real Betis.
