- Gyokeres has been linked with a reunion with former Sporting boss Amorim
- The Red Devils chief, though, is keen to sign players desperate to play for United
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid paid off for Liverpool
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has given his verdict on his side potentially signing Viktor Gyokeres in the summer.
Amorim faces a mammoth task of helping rebuild United, having taken over from Erik ten Hag earlier this season but struggling to overturn their fortunes thus far.
Though they are in the semi-finals of the Europa League, the Red Devils are down in 14th in the Premier League table, and they could yet finish as low as 17th, which they are just three points off of.
Despite that, they may well find themselves qualifying for next season’s Champions League, with the winners of the Europa League booking their spots in Europe’s premier competition for the following year.
Ahead of any potential European campaign, Amorim will be keen to add to his playing squad ahead of next season, having only signed Patrick Dorgu so far since he took over.
One star he has long been linked with his Viktor Gyokeres, the forward star who served him so well during his time as Sporting Lisbon boss. And prior to his side’s Europa League semi-final clash with Athletico Bilbao on Thursday, Amorim was asked if he could see Gyokeres joining up with him once again.
Ruben Amorim has revealed Manchester United’s stance on potentially signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer
United continue to be linked with the forward, who is believed to want to play in the Champions League next term
Amorim worked with the star at Sporting Lisbon but only wants players that are looking to play for United specifically
‘I didn’t talk to him,’ Amorim admitted. ‘But if a player only wants to come to Man United to play Champions League, then he won’t come.
‘We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions.’
Amorim’s comments came amid speculation that Gyokeres is looking to join a club that will be playing in the Champions League next season.
That has seen him linked with the likes of Arsenal and, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Sweden international’s release clause is just £60million.
They detail that due to Gyokeres initially signing for Sporting in 2023 and having played so well there that a pact was reached to not enforce an initial £85.7m release clause.
Arsenal are the ‘best-placed club’ to sign Gyokeres, according to the report – with the Gunners in desperate need for a striker to fire them to Premier League glory, with champions-elect Liverpool set to prolong the north London outfit’s wait for a first title since 2004 this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been warned that Chelsea could swoop in for a move though, like how the Blues beat Manchester United to buying Sporting youngster Geovany Quenda in a £43.7m deal last month.
