Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is unlikely to join Manchester United in the summer | OneFootball

Sporting Lisbon talisman Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly unlikely to reunite with former boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United in the summer.

United are largely expected to sign a new striker, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to consistently come up with the goods.

Gyokeres has been heavily linked to United and these rumours have only intensified since Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s replacement in November 2024.

In 35 appearances across all competitions so far this season, Gyokeres has plundered a mind-boggling 34 goals and provided an additional seven assists. A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are keen on signing Gyokeres for Amorim during the summer transfer window.

However, according to The Athletic, there is a good chance this will not happen. The newspaper reveals, “It is considered unlikely that Gyokeres follows Amorim to Old Trafford. The Swedish international wants to join a Champions League team and while that is possible for United through winning the Europa League, other more appealing propositions are expected to enter the bidding.”

“Conversely, United would be reluctant to commit that type of money to a player who will turn 27 in June. The club’s strategy is to invest in younger signings.”

Laurie Whitwell notes that United have other striker options on their list including Benjamin Sesko, Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo.

Other names that could come under consideration are Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Victor Boniface, Dusan Vlahovic, Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.

United have a long-standing interest in Sesko and have made multiple unsuccessful attempts to lure him to Old Trafford. The Red Devils may try again in the summer but they’re likely to face stiff competition from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who are also eyeing him.

Delap is a more plausible target and if Ipswich Town get relegated, his price may come down, which would work in United’s best interests. Delap has notched nine goals and two assists in 23 Premier League matches. Something else that makes him appealing is his aggressive running and pace. Chelsea are another party interested in the 22-year-old.

Mbeumo has been one of the standout forwards in the top flight this season, scoring 14 goals in 24 matches. United have already scouted him. His contract with Brentford expires in 2026 although the Bees have an option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months. Thomas Frank’s side would therefore have a degree of control in negotiations and are prepared to demand a club-record sale to sanction his departure.

Vardy and Calvert-Lewin are tempting options because they are set to be free agents in the summer. For a club like United who are dangerously close to breaching PSR, this is an attractive proposition. However, recruiting Vardy (38) and Calvert-Lewin (27) would be seen as going against INEOS’ youth-centric transfer approach.

Meanwhile, there have been suggestions that United could go back in for Kane, who has a release clause in his current terms with Bayern Munich. However, Whitwell explains that the England captain is happy in Bavaria and is focused on winning trophies there.

Boniface, Vlahovic and Osimhen could all be available for transfer but their expected fees and wage demands could scupper the chances of any of them moving to United.

On the possibility of Chido Obi being promoted to the first team, Whitwell points out, “He has trained with the first team on a couple of occasions under Amorim, usually during recovery days, but he is 17 and regarded as having areas of his game to improve before joining the senior squad more regularly.”

United are back in action on Sunday when they go away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social