In a dramatic twist to the transfer saga surrounding Viktor Gyokeres, Barcelona have reportedly shifted their focus away from the Swedish striker ahead of a potential move in 2025, as Manchester United emerge as the frontrunners to sign the Sporting Lisbon forward.
Barcelona’s interest in the 26-year-old has been well-documented, but the Catalan giants are now seemingly resigned to the fact that Gyokeres may already have his heart set on a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
Gyokeres has been one of the standout performers in European football in recent seasons, having taken the Primeira Liga by storm with Sporting Lisbon. With a remarkable tally of 66 goals in 68 appearances and 19 assists, Gyokeres has proven himself to be one of the most prolific forwards in world football. His ability to consistently contribute in front of goal has drawn the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and it now seems that Manchester United are poised to secure his signature in 2025.
The Swedish forward’s impressive form has been central to Sporting’s success in Portugal, with Gyokeres operating at an incredible rate of 0.8 goal contributions per game. This has made him an attractive prospect for many top European clubs, but reports from Spain suggest that Amorim’s imminent appointment at Manchester United could give the Red Devils an edge in the race for Gyokeres.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Amorim, who has worked closely with Gyokeres at Sporting Lisbon, is keen to bring the striker to Old Trafford. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that discussions are already underway behind the scenes, with United reportedly confident of striking a deal for the forward as early as the 2025 summer transfer window. According to Romano, Amorim is eager to make Gyokeres one of his first signings at Manchester United, though he will not push for a move during the January window.
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“Amorim is not planning to move for Gyokeres in January,” Romano explained. “He does not want to disrupt his relationship with Sporting and its fans. But the situation could be very different in the summer of 2025, when many clubs, including Manchester United, will be looking to bring him in.” This news has left Barcelona in a difficult position, as the Spanish giants were initially expected to make a significant push to sign Gyokeres next year.
However, as the transfer market continues to heat up, Barcelona have reportedly decided to turn their attention elsewhere. With a marquee signing in mind to usher in the re-opening of the Nou Camp in 2025, Barcelona are now focusing their efforts on a new top target: Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old Swedish striker has become one of the most coveted forwards in the Premier League, and Barcelona are said to be exploring the possibility of bringing him back to La Liga.
Isak, who made a big-money move to Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a reported £63 million (€70m, $80m), has been in excellent form for the Magpies, scoring 40 goals in 78 appearances. His performances have helped Newcastle return to the Champions League, though the club’s disappointing early exit from the competition last season has left Isak reportedly considering his future at St James’ Park. If Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League again this season, Barcelona may see an opening to strike a deal for the striker.
Despite speculation surrounding his future, Isak has remained tight-lipped about potential transfers. In a recent interview with Fotbol Skanalen, the forward stated, “I am fully focused on my task at Newcastle, and I have no thoughts about anything else. I don’t let transfer rumors affect me, and I have never commented on such things during the season.” Isak’s commitment to Newcastle, however, has not deterred Barcelona from continuing to monitor his situation. The Spanish club recently sent scouts to watch Isak in action during Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, further indicating their serious interest in the Swedish forward.
But Barcelona’s path to signing Isak is not without obstacles. The striker’s contract with Newcastle runs until 2028, and the Magpies have made it clear that they are not interested in selling him anytime soon. Nevertheless, Barcelona are believed to be working on securing a deal for Isak should the opportunity arise, with the player himself reportedly open to a move if circumstances align.
In the meantime, the focus remains on Gyokeres, with Manchester United seemingly poised to capitalize on the situation. Amorim, who has built a strong rapport with the Swedish striker during their time together at Sporting Lisbon, is expected to make a move for the forward in the summer of 2025, with the manager keen to add a top-quality striker to his squad. United’s chances of signing Gyokeres have been further bolstered by the fact that Amorim is not rushing the deal, allowing the player to complete his current season at Sporting before making any final decisions about his future.
As Romano pointed out, the future of Gyokeres is still very much in the air, with several clubs monitoring his situation. However, with Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United, the Red Devils have emerged as serious contenders to sign the forward in 2025, despite Barcelona’s initial interest. Gyokeres, it seems, could be on the move in the summer of 2025, and his decision to join United could be one of the defining transfer sagas of that window.
The developments surrounding Gyokeres and Isak have added an intriguing layer to the ongoing transfer drama between Barcelona and Manchester United. As both clubs target the same group of strikers, the competition to secure a deal for these highly sought-after talents will likely intensify over the next 12 months. Whether Barcelona can land their new top target in Isak or whether Manchester United can pull off a successful transfer for Gyokeres remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the 2025 summer transfer window will be one to watch closely.
With both Barcelona and Manchester United eyeing reinforcements for their attacking lines, the stakes are high as the two clubs battle for supremacy not only on the pitch but also in the transfer market. As Amorim seeks to stamp his authority on Manchester United, securing a player like Gyokeres would be a major statement of intent. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s pursuit of Isak shows their determination to strengthen their own squad as they look to build a new era under Hansi Flick. The coming months will be pivotal in determining which of these two footballing giants will come out on top in the battle for Sweden’s most coveted forwards.
