President Hints at Reduced Fee for Star Striker Amid Exit Push
Sporting Lisbon president Federico Varandas has dropped his strongest hint yet that Viktor Gyökeres could leave the club this summer—potentially for less than his €100 million (£85.4m) release clause—as Arsenal and Manchester United battle for the Swedish striker’s signature.
The 26-year-old forward, who scored a staggering 43 goals in all competitions last season, is pushing for an exit after reportedly feeling betrayed by Sporting over a perceived promise to let him leave for a lower fee. Tensions have escalated to the point where Gyökeres is said to be willing to go on strike to force a move, having already rejected a peacemaking meeting with club officials earlier this month.
A Compromise in the Works?
While Varandas insists Sporting are under no financial pressure to sell, he acknowledged the club will not demand the full €100 million clause—a significant shift in tone.
“Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyökeres,” he told reporters. “But we are sensitive to the dreams of our players. After weeks of discussions, we’ve decided we won’t demand the full clause—we’ll be reasonable.”
However, he ruled out a cut-price deal, dismissing rumors of an offer around €60-70 million as unrealistic. *”He won’t leave for €60m plus add-ons—absolutely not,”* Varandas stressed, while referencing recent transfers for Martín Zubimendi (€65m) and Matheus Cunha (€75m) as benchmarks.
Arsenal and Manchester United on Alert
Gyökeres’ explosive form has made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, with both Arsenal and United viewing him as a potential game-changer. The Gunners are seeking a clinical finisher to complement Kai Havertz, while United’s new hierarchy sees the Swede as a marquee signing to kick off their rebuild.
With Sporting now open to negotiation, the coming weeks could see a bidding war erupt. But one thing is clear: Gyökeres’ time in Lisbon appears to be nearing an end. After a record-breaking season, his next destination could define this summer’s transfer window.
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