Manchester United Land Viktor Gyökeres in £68m Coup as Sporting CP Star Bids Emotional Farewell
Manchester United have pulled off one of the signings of the summer, officially announcing the capture of prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for a reported £68 million. The 26-year-old Swedish forward departs Lisbon after an astonishing season that saw him score 43 goals and register 15 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
Gyökeres, who hit 23 goals in Liga Portugal and delivered standout performances like his hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, brings a perfect mix of pace, power, and clinical finishing. United manager Ruben Amorim views him as the missing piece in his dynamic 3-4-3 system — and a major statement as the club reshapes its attack ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
In an emotional farewell posted on social media, Gyökeres wrote:
“Lisbon will always have a piece of my heart. The fans, the club, the city — thank you for everything.”
His heartfelt message was met with a flood of supportive replies from Sporting fans, despite their sadness at losing their star striker.
The move follows United’s recent acquisitions of Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£60m), underlining the club’s aggressive rebuild this summer. Gyökeres, who was also tracked by Arsenal and Liverpool, personally pushed for the transfer after Amorim outlined his vision for the future.
Pundits have been quick to praise the signing. Gary Lineker noted that Gyökeres’ “Haaland-like presence could completely change United’s attack,” one that struggled for goals last season. Supporters took to social media to voice their excitement, with one fan writing: “Gyökeres is a game-changer — Amorim’s building a monster!”
Still, questions remain about squad balance as Amorim integrates Cunha, Mbeumo, and Gyökeres into a revamped frontline. United also continue to explore options elsewhere, with talks ongoing for Club Brugge’s Ardon Jashari and a goalkeeper to challenge André Onana.
With Gyökeres leading the charge, Manchester United have sent a clear message to rivals: they intend to compete at the top of the Premier League and Europe once again.
