Manchester United Withdraw from Viktor Gyökeres Pursuit After Months of Interest
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United have officially ended their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, bringing to a close one of the summer’s most closely followed transfer sagas. Despite weeks of scouting and reports of advanced discussions, the club has opted to walk away.
The 26-year-old Swedish international was a standout performer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season, notching 33 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. Since April, he had been viewed by United’s recruitment team — led by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group — as a prime candidate to reinforce the club’s frontline.
💰 Financial Barriers and Release Clause Standoff
Gyökeres’ €100 million release clause proved to be a major hurdle. While United explored the idea of a structured payment plan to mitigate upfront costs, Sporting remained firm on their valuation.
Club sources suggest INEOS considered the deal too expensive, especially with ongoing needs in midfield and defence. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions still a factor, allocating such a hefty sum to one player — particularly one without Premier League experience — was deemed a risky move.
🔍 Ten Hag’s Tactical Direction
Manager Erik ten Hag reportedly played a pivotal role in the decision to move on. The Dutch coach remains confident in Rasmus Højlund, who joined from Atalanta last year and showed promise despite an inconsistent debut campaign.
“Ten Hag believes Højlund can truly thrive with stronger creative support,” a club insider told the Manchester Evening News. “He’s prioritising a right winger and a central attacking midfielder before considering another striker.”
Given that, Gyökeres — known for his physicality and versatility — no longer fits United’s immediate tactical plans.
🔄 United Pivot to Alternative Targets
With Gyökeres off the table, United are turning their attention to more affordable options. Negotiations are reportedly progressing with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has a €40 million release clause and is also on the radar of AC Milan and Arsenal.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Brentford’s Ivan Toney also remain under consideration, though both pose their own challenges related to valuation and injury concerns.
In parallel, United are accelerating efforts to bolster midfield depth, with strong interest in Benfica’s João Neves and Everton’s Amadou Onana.
🇸🇪 What’s Next for Gyökeres?
While the Swedish striker was reportedly open to joining United, he will now evaluate other options. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Atlético Madrid have all been linked in recent weeks. With Sporting willing to sell for the right price, fresh interest is expected to surge before the window closes.
Speaking last week, manager Rúben Amorim said: “We want Viktor to stay, but we understand the market. His value is clear — any club who wants him knows the price.”
For now, Gyökeres remains one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe — and his transfer story is far from over.
