June 30, (THEWILL) — Sporting CP president, Frederico Varandas, has said there is a “strong probability” striker Viktor Gyokeres will leave the Portuguese club this summer, despite being tied to a €100 million release clause. Speaking recently, Varandas confirmed the club would consider serious offers below the clause, though he dismissed any bids in the region of €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons. He added that both Gyokeres and his agent were fully briefed on the club’s valuation.
Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting in the 2024/2025 season, is attracting interest from several English Premier League sides. Arsenal are currently assessing him as a potential option to fill the central striker role. Manchester United also retain interest, with current head coach Ruben Amorim a known admirer from his time at Sporting prior to his departure in December.
Varandas insisted that Sporting have no financial need to sell and described the Swedish striker as “one of the world’s best players.” He drew comparisons with recent market activity, citing Manchester United’s £62.5 million move for Matheus Cunha and their rejected £62.5 million package for Bryan Mbeumo. “These players do not have the market value or the quality of Viktor, in my opinion,” Varandas said.
The 27-year-old has amassed 97 goals in 102 games since arriving at Sporting from Coventry City in July 2023. His prolific form helped deliver back-to-back domestic titles, including a League and Cup double this season. Prior to his move to Portugal, Gyokeres scored 43 goals in 117 games for Coventry after initially joining from Brighton and Hove Albion, where he made just one EPL appearance.
Gyokeres is believed to favour a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, a factor that could influence his next move. While Sporting remain calm about his future, the forward’s exceptional form and growing market interest may force the club to negotiate below the release clause if a bid aligns with their valuation. Varandas made clear that any potential transfer must reflect the player’s quality and current standing.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
