In the aftermath of Liverpool has supposed interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres pursuit. One of the summer’s most contradictory saga has gone from contradictory article to contradictory article as conflicting reports about the Reds’ real interest and the player’s own priorities have complicated a move, because as the Swedish hitman actively tries to pry his way out of Portugal, the Premier League champions have decisions to make about whether to go head-to-head with Arsenal and Manchester United for his services.
Initial reports from Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã indicated Liverpool had “made contact” with Sporting in late June, exploring terms for a deal after identifying Gyokeres pursuit as a potential replacement for Darwin Núñez—who is nearing a £58m move to Napoli. With Núñez’s departure freeing funds and squad space, the 27-year-old Gyokeres appeared a logical target: his 97 goals across two seasons in Portugal, including a staggering 54-goal campaign in 2024/25, showcased elite finishing and link-up play suited to Arne Slot’s system . The club allegedly devised a financial plan to meet Sporting’s €80m (£68m) valuation, structured around installments.
Liverpool have joined the race to sign Viktor Gyökeres, according to reports in Portugal pic.twitter.com/v2niuJvTc6
However, TNT Sports and The Mirror directly contradicted these claims, insisting Liverpool have “no interest” in Gyokeres pursuit. Moreover, they are instead focusing on alternatives like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak or PSG’s Hugo Ekitike. Fabrizio Romano further clarified that while Liverpool “admire” the Swede. But there are “no active negotiations” between the clubs or player’s camp. This aligns with sporting director Richard Hughes’ disciplined approach: having already shattered the British transfer record for Florian Wirtz (£116m), Liverpool appear wary of another nine-figure outlay unless convinced of Gyokeres’ seamless adaptation to the Premier League.
Central to the stalemate is Gyokeres’ explosive fallout with Sporting. The striker believes club officials promised last summer to accept bids of €60m (£51m) + €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons—a claim president Frederico Varandas publicly denied, stating: “I never promised that. Threats and blackmail don’t work with me”. In response, Gyokeres has refused to train or play for Sporting, demanding his “exit pact” be honored . His camp even possesses audio evidence of former sporting director Hugo Viana (now at Manchester City) agreeing to the terms, escalating legal risks for the Lisbon club.
Despite links to Liverpool and Manchester United, Romano emphasizes Gyokeres’ “priority is Arsenal,” where he favors Champions League football and project stability . The Gunners submitted an initial €55m (£47m) bid, rejected for falling short of Sporting’s €80m (£68m) demand . Manchester United, managed by Gyokeres’ former boss Rúben Amorim, remain interested but are hampered by their lack of European football.
🚨 OFFICIAL | Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are in the race to sign Gyokeres 🇸🇪
The last champions are not keen on continuing with Darwin Nunez next season, while Gyokeres is clearly keen to leave Sporting pic.twitter.com/td2Zvli7lD
For Liverpool, pursuing Gyokeres presents both opportunity and risk:
– Pro: His physicality and goal-poaching could solve Slot’s striker inconsistency, with Núñez’s exit creating a void.
– Con: At €80m+, the fee could restrict funds for other priorities. For e.g., defense, especially after record spending on Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.
– Alternative Plans: Isak remains Slot’s “dream” signing, though Newcastle’s £100m+ valuation complicates talks.
Sporting have already lined up Almería’s Luis Suárez (not the Barcelona legend) as Gyokeres’ replacement. They are mirroring their 2023 deal for the Swede. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s reluctance underscores their transfer pragmatism: they’ll only move if Gyokeres’ price drops dramatically or alternatives become unattainable.
As of June 29, Liverpool’s links to Gyokeres appear more opportunistic than operational. His goal tally is undeniable. However, the financial friction with Sporting—coupled with Gyokeres’ Arsenal fixation—makes Anfield a distant third in this transfer race. Unless Arsenal withdraw or Sporting capitulate on price, Liverpool will likely channel resources toward Isak or retain faith in Diogo Jota’s fitness. For now, Gyokeres remains a contingency option, not a cornerstone, in Slot’s title-defense blueprint.
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