27-year-old striker ‘wants to join’ Man United this summer | OneFootball

Man Utd Given Encouragement in Pursuit of Sporting CP Star as Amorim Plans Ahead

There are certain transfer sagas that evolve with an air of inevitability. Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United is beginning to feel like one of them.

According to TeamTalk, the Swedish striker has “told Man Utd that he wants to join them this summer,” even with interest from Arsenal and Liverpool circling. It is, by all indications, a clear and emphatic message — a forward who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting CP now wants to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

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There is logic to the ambition. Amorim, now tasked with reshaping a misfiring United front line, is said to want “a new striker to compete with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee,” both of whom struggled for consistency during the 2024–25 campaign.

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Gyokeres Pushes for Exit

The message is not only being directed at Manchester. Sporting themselves have been informed of Gyokeres’ intentions. “He wants to go. He doesn’t even want to train if the situation continues like this,” said Fabrizio Romano. “He wants his exit pact to be respected.”

Sporting, according to TeamTalk, have already begun planning for life after their star forward. Almeria striker Luis Javier Suárez has emerged as their primary target. “The Colombian striker is the priority target, top of the short list,” Romano added.

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Financial Hurdles at Old Trafford

Whether United can finalise the move remains subject to financial variables. Gyokeres’ contract contains a €100 million release clause, but there is optimism that a slightly reduced fee could be negotiated.

United’s ongoing compliance with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) means that outgoings may be necessary before any marquee arrivals. Bryan Mbeumo is also a target, and the ability to afford both will likely depend on player sales.

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Striker Search Enters Final Stage

With Arsenal leaning toward Benjamin Sesko and Liverpool distancing themselves from the rumours, the path is clearing for United. Amorim’s influence, coupled with the player’s willingness, gives United leverage — if not immediate financial clarity.

More developments are expected in the coming days, but for now, United have a willing striker, a supportive manager and a rival field backing away.

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This is the type of transfer that feels like a turning point. Not just because Gyokeres is one of the most prolific forwards in European football, but because everything about it suggests a player who wants to be at Manchester United.

We’ve seen big names linked before, but rarely with this level of intent from the player himself. The fact that Gyokeres “wants to go” and has reportedly told Sporting he doesn’t want to train until his future is resolved shows this is not a vague flirtation — this is a serious push for a move.

His numbers are elite. Ninety-seven goals in 102 games, and all done under Amorim, the very man now in charge of United’s rebuild. This isn’t just about talent, it’s about system familiarity, belief, and desire. United need players who buy into the project, and Gyokeres seems ready to do exactly that.

Of course, the finances are always a concern. But if they’re planning to spend on someone, let it be a player who’s clearly all-in. The hope from fans now is that United don’t drag their feet. Act decisively, match the ambition, and land a striker who could define the next era at Old Trafford.