‘Not The Right Player’ - Manchester United Legend Not Convinced By Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres || Imago

‘Not The Right Player’ - Manchester United Legend Not Convinced By Viktor Gyokeres

Joel Omotto 15:57 - 11.06.2025

A Manchester United legend has elicited debate after claiming the club should steer clear of striker Viktor Gyokeres as he 'cannot shine' in the Premier League.

Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a big-money transfer to Manchester United but one club legend does not think he fits the bill for the Red Devils.

Gyokeres is wanted by United coach Ruben Amorim who is looking to streengthen his attack after his forwards hugely disappointed as they finished 15th in the Premier League last season.

However, United legend Rio Ferdinand doesn't believe Gyokeres is the right fit for the Red Devils' attack. He feels the Swede hasn't shown much beyond his physical presence and isn't ready for the demands of the Premier League.

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What Has Rio Ferdinand Said Over Gyokeres?

Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting CP has not convinced Rio Ferdinand. | Imago

"I don't think he's the right player for Manchester United. I haven't watched him loads, but I've seen him closely maybe three times in the Champions League. All three times I thought, 'He's not going to get those chances in the Premier League.' He looks physically up to it, but I don't see much else. I question whether, besides his physical attributes, he's got enough to score goals in the Premier League," Ferdinand stated on his podcast Rio Presents.

Meanwhile, Portuguese media outlets report that Gyokeres has declared he won't play for Sporting again. He's reportedly prepared to boycott preseason training, frustrated that the club president hasn't honored their gentleman's agreement and is demanding a higher price from potential buyers.

Gyokeres has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his Sporting contract, but he is understood to have reached a gentleman's agreement with the club at the start of the season over a reduced asking price but it appears the Portuguese giants are holding out for a higher fee that could scare potential buyers.  

The forward is reported to have been promised that €60m (£51m), plus €10m (£8m) in add-ons could be enough to do the deal this summer but the Sporting bid is now asking for €80m (£67m) which has angered the player.

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