Viktor Gyokeres Threatens to Leave Sporting After Feeling Betrayed by Club Chief's Comments

Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Arsenal this summer | IMAGO

Viktor Gyokeres Threatens to Leave Sporting After Feeling Betrayed by Club Chief's Comments

Abigael Wafula 06:20 - 30.06.2025

Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly furious with Sporting Lisbon’s leadership and has reiterated his threat to leave the club, boosting hopes for interested clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United.

Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly prepared to force a move away from Sporting Lisbon this summer, potentially even refusing to report for pre-season training.

The Swedish striker is frustrated with comments made by Sporting president Frederico Varandas regarding his potential transfer fee, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.

Viktor Gyokeres, a target for both Arsenal and Manchester United, is unhappy with Sporting's apparent backtracking on an agreement to let him leave for a fee below his release clause. He is also reportedly considering publicly airing his grievances.

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Sporting President's Comments About Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image: Zed Jameson/PA Wire)

Frederico Varandas, while acknowledging the likelihood of Viktor Gyokeres' departure, insisted the club is under no pressure to sell and expects a significantly higher fee than the rumoured £60 million plus £10 million in add-ons.

He compared Viktor Gyokeres favourably to players like Martin Zubimendi (who joined Real Sociedad for €65 million) and Matheus Cunha (who moved to Manchester United from Wolves for £62.5 million), arguing that Gyokeres is worth considerably more.

Varandas further stated that he had observed market values for players like Martin Zubimendi, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo and believed Viktor Gyokeres' value to be higher. He added, unless Gyokeres 'has the worst agent in the world,' a transfer should be possible given the 'fair' demands of the club.

Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres

"Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset," Varandas added.

"However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor."

Gyokeres enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 54 goals in 52 club appearances. His contract with Sporting runs until 2028. A potential reunion with former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim at Manchester United is one possibility, while the lure of joining Arsenal, who are also reportedly interested in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, could be another.