Sporting eye Yuri Alberto as Gyökeres future hangs in balance | OneFootball

Sporting CP’s hunt for a potential replacement for Viktor Gyökeres has sparked reports linking the Portuguese champions with Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto. The 24-year-old has emerged as a name on Sporting’s shortlist, especially after Gyökeres attracted interest from Premier League clubs.

Yuri Alberto’s situation at Corinthians is clear: he is under contract until the end of 2027 and has been an important figure in the squad throughout 2025. With 11 goals and 1 assist in 31 appearances this season, he remains Corinthians’ top threat in front of goal and holds the distinction of being the all-time top scorer at the Neo Química Arena. Despite a challenging spell with pain in his right shoulder, he continues to be central to the club’s plans, which makes any potential transfer more complex.

Corinthians reportedly set their asking price at around €17 million, though Yuri Alberto’s release clause stands at R$490 million. The club controls 50% of his economic rights, suggesting negotiations could be complicated should Sporting press ahead with their interest. From a financial perspective, the €16 million estimated market value provides a reference point, but the Brazilian club’s stance seems open to negotiation.

At this stage, the player’s agent, Andre Cury, has described the situation as preliminary. According to Cury, there have been only initial conversations, with no official proposals placed on the table by Sporting or any other club. This matches the perception among sections of the Sporting fanbase, where some supporters on social media question whether Yuri Alberto would be the right fit for the club and express doubts about the likelihood of a deal.

Sporting’s need for a new striker would only become urgent in the event of Gyökeres’ departure. While Yuri Alberto is one option, reports suggest the club is also weighing alternatives such as Croatian forward Franjo Ivanović. This hints at a broader search process, with Sporting assessing multiple possibilities before making any commitments.

The scenario remains fluid, with Sporting monitoring the market and Corinthians maintaining a pragmatic stance regarding offers for their one-time record signing. For now, Yuri Alberto remains with Corinthians, but his profile is one Sporting are watching as the summer market develops.