27-year-old striker ‘open to joining’ Man United this summer | OneFootball

Manchester United Monitoring Viktor Gyökeres as Amorim Eyes Former Star

United maintain quiet interest in prolific Swede

Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyökeres, with the Swedish international open to a move to Old Trafford even in the absence of Champions League football next season.

TalkSport reports that United remain interested, although formal discussions with Sporting have not yet begun. Much of United’s summer business depends on departures, particularly in attack, as the club seek to generate financial headroom within Profit and Sustainability Rule boundaries.

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Despite the lack of direct movement, Gyökeres remains a name of real interest to new head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager worked with the striker during a prolific spell at Sporting and has reportedly maintained contact since taking over at Old Trafford.

Sporting willing to deal below clause

Sporting are prepared to sell Gyökeres for around £60 million, a sizeable discount on the £85 million release clause that was initially embedded in his contract. That reduction is the result of a verbal agreement made between player and club after Gyökeres agreed to remain for the 2024/25 campaign, during which he scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances and secured the Primeira Liga title.

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A formal bid from United would see them enter a competitive market. Arsenal are also weighing up their options, with Gyökeres and Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško both under consideration. Chelsea are monitoring the situation, too, amid concerns over Christopher Nkunku’s fitness and potential departure.

Meanwhile, interest from PSG, Juventus and Saudi clubs Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad adds further complexity. However, TalkSport notes that Gyökeres does not intend to leave Europe, particularly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Amorim’s blueprint shaping recruitment

Ruben Amorim’s recruitment vision is already becoming clear. Manchester United’s move for Matheus Cunha, completed at £62.5 million, reflects a focus on high-output attackers who can operate centrally or out wide.

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Amorim wants quick, versatile forwards to fit his high-pressing and flexible tactical system. Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford is another target, with United’s first offer of £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons falling short of Brentford’s valuation. A second bid is expected.

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Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling have also been mentioned as potential additions. Amorim values dynamism and positional interchangeability — qualities that Gyökeres possesses in abundance.

Potential reunion could be pivotal

Gyökeres thrived under Amorim, scoring 66 goals in 68 appearances across all competitions at Sporting. The striker’s physical profile, goal return and understanding of Amorim’s demands make him a natural candidate for the role United need to fill.

Although Amorim played down any speculation when asked by TNT Sports shortly after arriving in Manchester, his words carried an undertone of familiarity and respect.

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“No, no, no, no,” he said when asked if Gyökeres could join him at United.“I cannot be funny with that in this moment. It is stuff for me to leave if I’m joking about Gyökeres, I will have problems. This is my city, this is my country, so I will respect. Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then it’s his life is, maybe, going to someone else.”

Now that the season has ended, that “someone else” could well be Manchester United.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This news is exactly what United fans want to hear. Viktor Gyökeres feels like the ideal blend of talent, physicality and goalscoring instinct that this squad needs. They’ve missed having a number nine who consistently delivers, and Gyökeres is coming off the back of a ridiculous 54-goal season. You don’t do that in any league without serious quality.

The fact he already has chemistry with Amorim is huge. This isn’t another case of throwing money at a shiny name. This is a manager identifying a proven player who fits his system. The price tag is steep, but £60 million for someone with that output and a pre-existing tactical fit feels like smart spending.

It’s also refreshing that he’s not holding out for Champions League football. That shows a mentality the United fanbase can get behind. Build something. Be part of the project. United need that now more than ever.

If this deal comes off, it could be the defining transfer of the summer. The market is crowded, but United would do well to move fast.