Viktor Gyokeres’ future has taken another turn, with reports claiming the Sporting striker’s agent has responded to the club’s ‘blackmail’ stance.
The 27-year-old is one of the most in-demand players this summer after scoring a staggering 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting since joining in the summer of 2023.
Gyokeres has been heavily linked with Arsenal and Manchester United as well as Juventus – but it is the former who have reportedly taken a step forward in the race to sign him.
The Sweden international has an £84million release clause in his Sporting contract, but prior to the campaign just gone, he was understood to have reached a gentleman’s agreement with the Portuguese champions over a reduced asking price.
Following positive discussions regarding his sale, he was assured he would be able to leave this summer if a club met £51m, plus £8m in add-ons.
However, it has been reported by Portuguese outlet Record, that Sporting’s board have made a U-turn and are now seeking a fee in the region of £67m, which is said to have infuriated Gyokeres to the point of threatening to strike.
On Wednesday, according to Record in Portugal, the Sporting president Frederico Varandas claimed: ‘Blackmail and insults don’t work with me’.
Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has now weighed in on the saga. Reportedly speaking to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, he claimed to have proof of an agreement with Sporting that would allow the striker to leave this summer for £59m.
The striker is understood to be ‘furious’ with president Frederico Varandas, after discovering the news and has now told the club’s bosses that he will never pull the Sporting shirt on again.
However, Varandas has not taken to the threats kindly. The president has hit back with some fire of his own as he insists that he will not be held to ransom by Gyokeres.
‘One thing you should already know is me better,’ Varandes claimed as per Record. ‘Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me.
