The Sporting Lisbon player, Viktor Gyökeres, has become a main topic for the sporting directorates of major European clubs. FC Barcelona was in a very good position to negotiate a potential deal, but the Blaugrana's sporting department opted for other priorities, with the imminent signing of Nico Williams and the addition of Joan García.
In this regard, as Gyökeres's move to another team has not yet been finalized, Atlético de Madrid has reportedly shown interest in the Swede, although if they were to make a move for the goalscorer, they would attempt it at the end of the summer transfer window.
However, the 'Colchoneros' have Julián Álverez and Alexander Sørloth to cover the 'number 9' position, but they would not rule out entering the market for a player who wants to leave the Portuguese club due to his frustration that his future is not yet resolved.
To put the importance of a centre-forward like Gyökeres into context, in the last two seasons, he has managed to score 97 goals in the 102 matches he has played.
Following their **elimination in the group stage of the Club World Cup**, Atlético de Madrid will reportedly try to calm the waters with signings that would maximize the team's competitiveness.
Alongside the presumed interest in Viktor, there is also reported interest in Johnny Cardoso and Alex Baena, who could also become 'Colchoneros'.
Barça could have signed Gyökeres this year for a lower price
The latest rumors suggest there were internal discussions at Barcelona to evaluate the situation, as, if everything goes according to plan, the **2025/26 season will be Robert Lewandowski's last as the Catalan club's 'number 9'**.
Despite having Ferran Torres as a possible substitute, Barça would like to secure the services of a centre-forward **whose impact would be both sporting and financial**—and what better option than a 'number 9' of Gyökeres's caliber? Still, priorities in other positions tipped the scales, leading them to set the matter aside for now.
Viktor Gyökeres's release clause is €100 million (current contract until 2028), but at the time, the player and his agent had reportedly agreed with Sporting's president, Federico Varandas, that he would be allowed to leave for '70' million, but the president has stated this is not the case.
"Gyökeres will not leave for 70 million because I never promised that. Sporting will not accept blackmail and insults. One of the agent's biggest concerns was whether we would demand the release clause. In that same meeting, the agent wanted to peg the exit to a certain value, and what I guaranteed is that I will not demand 100 million," Varandas pointed out.
However, **Barcelona had a 'play' up their sleeve that they could have used to lower the cost of a potential deal involving the Swedish 'killer'**. Furthermore, they maintain a good institutional relationship with 'the Lions'.
In this regard, Barça has a buy-back option, in addition to 50% of the rights to a future sale of Francisco Trincao, who joined Sporting from the Blaugrana club in 2023.
Trincao's release clause is set at 80 'million'. Therefore, the Culés could have used this arrangement to try to enter the race for the 27-year-old attacker.
In recent weeks, it has also been reported that the best-positioned club to land the player is **Arsenal**, despite interest from other clubs like Manchester United, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano himself.
The player is also reportedly upset with his current team (Sporting), as they are allegedly not making his departure easy, and he **is said to be considering not rejoining training**.
Barça said 'no' to pursue a left winger
Barça reportedly informed the Lisbon club's board in March **that they would not be joining the race for Viktor Gyökeres**. This decision was made because, at that time, the Culé sporting department decided it was best to pursue Luis Díaz for the left wing.
At that time, the Colombian won out because he could also excel in the 'number 9' position. However, Liverpool's financial demands led Barça to go after Nico Williams, **with whom they reportedly already have a full agreement to sign him for the 2025/26 season**.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's bid for the Bilbao 'number 10' still requires negotiations with Athletic Club, who are demanding the full payment of his release clause, which is set at around €58 million.
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