Manchester United are reportedly prepared to trigger the €100 million release clause to secure the signature of former Coventry standout Viktor Gyokeres in the upcoming summer transfer window, as per reports.
Gyokeres, who currently plies his trade for Portuguese powerhouse Sporting Lisbon, made a significant move from the Championship side last summer in a deal worth £20 million.
The Swedish international played a pivotal role in Coventry’s journey to the second division play-off final last season, contributing 21 goals and 10 assists.
Despite Coventry’s defeat to Luton in the play-off final at Wembley, it was expected that top-flight clubs would come knocking for key players like Gyokeres.
While star midfielder Gustavo Hamer moved to Sheffield United, Gyokeres made a club-record switch to Sporting in July.
The 25-year-old’s prolific scoring form has continued to flourish in Portugal, with an impressive tally of 16 goals in just 20 Primeira Liga appearances this season. Additionally, he has notched up eight assists, including three in a single match during sporting’s 5-1 victory over Estoril last month.
Given Gyokeres’ remarkable statistics, it’s understandable why Erik ten Hag and Manchester United would be interested. While the Swede has predominantly operated as a lone striker for both Sporting and Coventry, he could potentially form a potent strike partnership with Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United is prepared to meet Gyokeres’ mammoth release clause of €100 million (approximately £85 million) once the summer transfer window commences.
This fee would surpass the reported initial sum of £64 million that the club paid to secure the services of Hojlund from Atalanta last year. In December, Gyokeres appeared to quell transfer speculation surrounding him, stating: “I think it’s a bit like when Sporting came in to sign me. I’m very happy here, and I don’t care about any interested parties at the moment.
I’m enjoying every day here and not thinking about what’s going on around me. Yes, there’s talk of big clubs, but for now it’s just news. That’s all.”
