The idea that Viktor Gyökeres, the relentless Swedish goalscorer, will leave Sporting CP in this summer market seems increasingly close. The destination? As of today, it remains uncertain. However, what is certain is the fact that the 'Leões' are beginning to show great fatigue from all the rumors that are generated daily around their star striker and his departure price.
The broken pact between Gyökeres and Sporting CP
It is worth remembering that it has been said that the '9' will force his departure from the Lisbon team this summer, due to a disagreement that apparently arises, as commented in the Portuguese newspaper Récord, after a change in the conditions of the player's departure.
At first, it was said that Gyökeres's representative had reached a gentleman's agreement with Sporting CP for his transfer this summer for around €60M (plus another 10 in variables). An affordable price compared to his release clause of 100 'kilos'.
However, the Portuguese team would have broken this alleged pact in the last hours, raising Viktor's departure cost to around €80M. A move that could have caused great discomfort in the 'killer' from Stockholm.
Even, speculations point to a deep disappointment and anger that has strained relations, enough to allegedly declare himself in rebellion and not want to wear the Sporting CP elastic again. This, despite having a contract until June 30, 2028.
Varandas breaks the silence: “He will not leave for 60+10 million”
The case has taken on a new nuance after the statements of the president of Sporting CP, Frederico Varandas, during the inauguration of the new spaces of the Sports Museum in Leiria. The leader spoke forcefully about the matter, leaving phrases that will surely give a lot to talk about.
And yes, Varandas acknowledged that the 'Leões' are not closed to letting Gyökeres leave for a price lower than his clause, but made it clear that it will not be for 60 'kilos':
"Sporting will not demand the termination clause, but they should know me better by now: threats, blackmail, offenses do not work with me. I can guarantee one thing: Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60M + €10M"
No offers for Gyökeres: silence from the big clubs
Likewise, the president of Sporting CP acknowledged not being willing to give in to media pressure: "He will not leave, because I have never allowed it, and this agent's game only worsens the situation". But he also wanted to put an end to any rumors about interested teams and offers for the Nordic player:
"Today is the 11th, what time is it? 11:45? To date, Sporting has not had a single offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last summer"
TEAMS THAT HAVE BEEN SPECULATED TO BE AFTER THE SIGNING OF GYÖKERES:
- Atlético de Madrid
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Juventus
- Manchester United
Varandas also lashed out against the player's agent: "Hugo Viana (Sporting's sporting director) negotiated with the agents in several meetings and calls, until the agent himself requested the presence of the president to finalize the matter. We agreed on the extra bonus for goals, which was reasonable. Gyökeres was not present in any of the meetings", he admitted.
According to Frederico, the agreement included that the club would not demand the full clause because they knew that at 27 years old, no player would leave Portugal for €100M. There was also an understanding about the player's desire to play in the UEFA Champions League.
"His agent wanted to set a price for the departure. I told him: 'It's not worth setting a price because I don't know what will happen during the year... What I can guarantee is that I will not demand 100 million, period'"
However, he assures that since that moment he has not spoken to the agent or the player about his departure again.
ÚLast days of Gyökeres at Sporting?
A 'soap opera' that itches and extends, and that leaves many open questions about the future of Viktor Gyökeres. Will he finally leave Sporting CP this summer? Probably. But what does seem clear is that his farewell will be marked by a series of tensions between two parties with firm positions, with no apparent intention of giving in.