Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly completed a drastic U-turn on his future this week ahead of an anticipated Sporting Lisbon departure.
Indeed, the Sporting talisman has spent the best part of the year being heavily linked with Manchester United — essentially ever since Ruben Amorim took the reins at Old Trafford last November.
Then, when United failed to book their Champions League spot by losing the Europa League final, their chances of signing Gyokeres were scuppered and, as a result, he is said to have informed Amorim of his preference to join Arsenal.
Viktor Gyokeres left red-faced after Arsenal pursue alternative target
That was all dependent on whether the Gunners actually pursued a move, though. Since the window reopened last Monday, they have set their sights on first-choice striker target Benjamin Sesko, leaving Gyokeres with few options as his next destination where he will be the primary No.9.
TeamTalk now claims the ‘game-changing’ 27-year-old has reverted on his initial decision and ‘has told United he wants to join them’.
Whilst Amorim would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to reunite with his ex-talisman in M16 ahead of his first full season, he won’t have taken too kindly to Gyokeres’ snub.
When pressed on United’s links with Gyokeres last season and whether he could make his decision based solely on UCL qualification, Amorim told reporters: “I didn’t talk to him. But if a player only wants to come to Manchester United to play [in the] Champions League, then he won’t come. We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions.”
United could revive Gyokeres pursuit imminently
Yet, from INEOS’ perspective, could they really turn down the opportunity of signing a clinical frontman who boasts Gyokeres’ numbers?
In 2024/2025, he recorded an unfathomable 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 club appearances across all competitions — although time will only tell whether such form could be replicated in the English top flight.
United should not entertain Gyokeres he turned them down to go to Arsenal now that Arsenal have other interest and he is not in there plans , he now has a change of heart and would like to come to United . Do not entertain him.
Really.
What the media say doesn’t mean it’s true. If what they say was true we already have bought 20 players. The media and other clubs say such things to put up the price.
If we can get Gyokeres by any means, get him. You can’t blame a player for not wanting to come here after the performances we showed last season. Let’s be honest here, yes we would love for every top player to choose Man.Utd. but this ship has sailed. We had our time and won 13 titles under the mighty Sir Alex. Now we have to try and get back to those times with Ruben Amorim in that seat, and a brand new system to try.
If any top player now wants to come here ( and changes his mind) then we MUST entertain this.
With Gyokeres, Cunha, and Mbeumo, we could have one of the best front 3 in the Premiership. Now let’s find our top midfielders to compliment these players.
Totally agree there’s no room for sentiment when your in our position. If he’s ready to come to United. Let’s snap him up NOW!!!
I love your optimism and I hope it happens.
United need to be decisive but unfortunately they appear to be the opposite. We are six weeks away from the start of a new season and only one player signed. Has a fan it’s depressing.
It’s the same old story even this much vaunted new transfer strategy goes to prove Ineos can’t organise a p*ss up in a brewery just like the last lot
Peter, I don’t understand this. We are in week 3 of 12 total weeks of the summer transfer market.
We are approaching it from a position of weakness with many tough sales and a need to improve. No club will make quick decisions to buy our players for that reason.
Additionally, creating unattainable goals forces the club to make rash decisions. We want biz done, yes — and it’s getting done. But more, we want good biz done, which can take time (though, not endless time).
Spot on mate. Given time and resources, Amorim, will do well. He right to get rid of the inflated egos in that squad.
Agree 100%, Bestietom. Strikers are dependent on others to execute their role… and we haven’t yet proven we can do this. I think we will.
But for a top striker to come is asking them to risk their VERY limited career. It’s a big ask.
Circumstances can lead to change of mind. Gyokeres will be good for Amorin because he knows him so well that it will take him minimum time to place him in his team. Please don’t waste time, Go for it.
If man utd can afford him the should just go for victor oshimen
Forget Gyokeres.
Amorim has told Garnacho to find another club because something did not suit. Gyokeres had said NO to United as they did not have Champions League football; the same should apply “find yourself another club”.
If Amorim and INEOS now proceed with a bid for Gyokeres, it will be a U-turn that will come back and haunt them.
United should move on. Not what Amorim had wanted, but you play the cards you are given. Try getting Vlahovic in exchange for Sancho