Liverpool will not make a move for Viktor Gyökeres despite reports from Portugal suggesting they’ve joined the race for the Swedish striker. The Sporting Lisbon star is expected to leave this summer, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.
Manchester United and Arsenal lead the chase for the former Coventry City forward. Liverpool have also been linked, especially after their big-spending spree following last season’s title-winning campaign — but they are not preparing a bid for Gyökeres at this stage.
Liverpool have already shattered the British transfer record this summer by signing Florian Wirtz, but according to TNT Sports, Viktor Gyökeres is not part of their plans — despite their interest in strengthening the attack.
Both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike have been linked with moves to Anfield as Arne Slot looks to bolster his options. Slot has already brought in Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, with Milos Kerkez expected to become the club’s third signing of the window.
Gyökeres has been incredibly prolific during his two seasons in Portugal, scoring nearly 100 goals. Last season alone, he netted over 50 times — a return that would make him a valuable asset for any elite club. However, Liverpool appear to have no intention of pursuing the Sporting Lisbon forward.
Meanwhile, talk of a transfer to Manchester United has picked up, especially with Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford. Amorim knows Gyökeres well, having overseen his rise at Sporting, but United cannot offer him Champions League football — a significant drawback.
Over at Arsenal, Benjamin Sesko remains their primary target ahead of Gyökeres. However, the RB Leipzig striker’s steep wage demands may cause the Gunners to change course and revisit their interest in Gyökeres if a deal for Sesko falls through.
Reports suggest Sporting were prepared to sell Viktor Gyökeres for around £65 million — a figure below his release clause — but the player has reportedly clashed with the club’s hierarchy over claims they’ve since demanded a higher fee than originally agreed, complicating his departure.
Club president Frederico Varandas, however, insists there was never a “gentleman’s agreement” for Gyökeres’ sale, stating: “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60 million plus €10 million because I never promised that. To this day, Sporting have not received an offer for Gyökeres — neither today nor last season.”
