Sporting CP Ready to Honour Gentleman’s Agreement with Viktor Gyökeres Amid Premier League Interest
Sporting CP are reportedly willing to stand by a gentleman’s agreement made with Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres regarding a potential summer move, as interest from top Premier League clubs continues to grow.
The 26-year-old forward has emerged as one of the hottest properties in European football following a sensational season in Portugal. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United and Arsenal both expressing strong interest in securing his services ahead of the new campaign.
Despite widespread speculation about Gyökeres’ price tag — with some reports suggesting his release clause sits at a hefty €100 million — the striker is understood to have a mutual understanding with Sporting’s hierarchy that could see him leave the club for a significantly lower fee. According to sources close to the player, there is a verbal agreement in place that would allow him to depart for approximately €60 million.
This gentleman’s agreement, though not legally binding, is said to reflect the trust built between the Swedish international and the club when he joined from Coventry City in the summer of 2023. Sporting had taken a calculated risk by bringing him in from the English Championship, but the move paid off handsomely. Gyökeres has since delivered impressive goal-scoring numbers, helped the team in both domestic and European competitions, and has become a fan favorite in Lisbon.
Sporting’s willingness to honour the agreement is seen as a sign of respect for the player’s professionalism and contribution to the club. Club president Frederico Varandas is believed to be open to negotiations, provided that any interested party is serious and makes a respectable offer close to the agreed valuation.
Manchester United and Arsenal are both in the market for a striker this summer. United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, are looking to rebuild their attack with more firepower and dynamism. Amorim, who knows Gyökeres well from his time at Sporting, is reportedly a major advocate for bringing the Swede to Old Trafford. His pace, strength, and clinical finishing could provide exactly what United’s front line has been missing.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are keen to bolster their depth up front as they prepare for another Premier League title challenge and a return to the UEFA Champions League. Mikel Arteta is said to admire Gyökeres’ versatility and ability to adapt to different attacking roles, which would provide healthy competition for Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
The player himself is believed to be open to a move to England, having previously played there with Coventry City, where he enjoyed a breakout spell. A return to the Premier League would represent a significant step forward in his career, both in terms of visibility and competitiveness.
However, Sporting will not be rushed into a decision. While they are prepared to respect the informal agreement, they are also determined to ensure the club’s interests are protected. They are expected to insist on a structured deal with reasonable terms rather than entertaining cut-price offers or drawn-out negotiations.
For Gyökeres, the coming weeks could define his future. Whether he joins the Premier League or stays one more year in Portugal, his rise has already been remarkable. What remains to be seen is whether either United or Arsenal will be willing to match the expected €60 million price and offer the striker the platform he’s ready to step onto.
