A former teammate of Viktor Gyokeres has shared insights into the Sporting Lisbon striker’s preferred choice among Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Gyokeres has emerged as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers over the last 18 months, already netting 31 goals across all competitions this season.
The Swedish international was previously linked with a potential move to Manchester United following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their manager. However, a transfer this season seemed improbable due to United’s financial fair play constraints.
The 26-year-old reportedly has a €100 million (£83m) release clause in his Sporting contract, though a fee of €70 million (£58m) could potentially persuade the Portuguese club to sell.
Before joining Sporting Lisbon, Gyokeres spent time in English football with Brighton, Swansea, and Coventry. At Coventry, he thrived under former Manchester United forward Mark Robins, scoring 41 Championship goals in two-and-a-half seasons. This impressive form caught the attention of Sporting, who signed him for £20 million in the summer of 2023.
Gyokeres’ early career in England gave little indication he would become one of the world’s top strikers. Before moving to Coventry in January 2021, he had only featured in 11 Championship matches. While prolific at the U21 level for Brighton, he never made a Premier League appearance, with Neal Maupay and Glenn Murray occupying the senior striker roles at the time.
Speaking to 10bet, Glenn Murray shared his thoughts on Gyokeres’ future, suggesting his next move might be to the Premier League. Murray said:
“He’s answered every challenge so far and absolutely deserves a chance in the Premier League. With his confidence and talent, I believe he would succeed.
“After loan spells and a move to Coventry, where the team was built around him to score goals, and then his transition to Sporting, he’s proven himself. Sporting paid a significant fee for him, and he’s justified their investment.
“His next step should be one of Europe’s top leagues, and hopefully, that’s the Premier League. Given his connection with his former manager [Amorim], Manchester United is likely to be his preferred destination if he decides to move.”
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