Imagine Manchester United and Manchester City, two of the biggest football teams in England, going to battle over players, but not on the pitch. What's the prize? A skilled Swedish striker who could change how they play. As the fight for Viktor Gyökeres gets tougher, the tension is high. Which team will win this battle for one of Europe's best-rising forwards?
Viktor Gyokeres, a 26-year-old Swedish striker, is now impressing fans at Sporting CP.
Gyökeres has now scored 24 goals in 19 games this season. His contract with Sporting Lisbon is going to expire in 2025, making this the ideal opportunity for clubs to get involved.
According to German football analyst Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United is in talks with Sporting CP about signing Viktor Gyökeres this summer. However, just as United fans were getting thrilled, their arch rivals, Manchester City, entered the scene. And they are not only interested; they are trying their level best to sign Gyökeres. With both clubs targeting the striker, a typical Manchester rivalry has spilt over into the transfer market.
While Manchester City appears to be serious about signing Gyökeres, there is an unexpected twist that could benefit United. City already has Erling Haaland, who is considered one of the top forwards iin the world. Gyökeres, who will undoubtedly seek consistent playing time, may find it difficult to compete with him for a starting place. This might give United an advantage because it gives him a simpler path to first-team playing.
Hugo Viana, City's next sporting director, is currently at Sporting CP, adding to the confusion. According to reports, Viana is making a strong push for City to sign Gyökeres before he leaves Sporting at the end of the 2024/25 season.
United has had concrete talks about bringing Gyökeres to Old Trafford, but they have to get past a big problem first. One way for the Red Devils to get the money they need for the move is to sell players. This will also free up space in their team. This makes the club even more determined to move quickly and effectively if they want to sign the striker before City does.