Ruben Amorim, tasked with restoring Manchester United’s status as a dominant force in English football, has already set his sights on a marquee signing for the summer of 2025.
According to The Mirror, Amorim has identified Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres as his number one transfer target, setting the stage for a fierce battle with Manchester City for the Swedish marksman’s signature.
The 39-year-old Portuguese manager, who brought two Primeira Liga titles to Sporting CP, is reportedly unimpressed by the speed and intensity of United’s current squad. Assessing the gaps in firepower, Amorim has determined that Gyökeres, whose remarkable record boasts 67 goals in 69 matches for Sporting, is the ideal striker to elevate United’s attack.
The City Threat
Manchester City, meanwhile, are also circling, with incoming sporting director Hugo Viana keen to reunite with Gyökeres. Viana was instrumental in bringing the striker to Sporting in 2023 and shares a close professional relationship with both the player and Amorim. This dynamic sets up an intriguing rivalry between the two Manchester clubs as they vie for one of Europe’s most in-form forwards.
While City boast an enviable squad, their interest in Gyökeres raises questions, particularly with Erling Haaland firmly entrenched as their first-choice striker. Reports suggest Gyökeres would need strong assurances from City regarding his role, as the risk of becoming a backup is a potential stumbling block.
United’s Advantage
In contrast, Manchester United can offer Gyökeres a guaranteed starting position, a crucial factor in their pursuit. If signed, the Swedish international would slot directly into the lineup, displacing current options like Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Marcus Rashford. For a player of Gyökeres’ quality and ambition, such a central role could prove decisive in his decision-making process.
City’s struggle to replace Julian Alvarez, who reportedly considered a move to Atletico Madrid due to limited opportunities, highlights the challenges of competing for minutes under Pep Guardiola. Gyökeres might view the Alvarez scenario as a cautionary tale, making United’s offer of regular starts all the more appealing.
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Sporting’s Perspective
Sporting CP are resigned to losing Gyökeres next summer, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the striker is expected to depart in 2025. While his release clause stands at €100 million, reports suggest an agreement allows for a reduced fee in the range of €60 million to €70 million. This figure is likely to spark a bidding war, but both Manchester clubs are well-equipped to meet the valuation.
Amorim’s Strategic Ambitions
Gyökeres fits perfectly into Amorim’s vision for United. His combination of physicality, clinical finishing, and ability to press from the front aligns with the dynamic, high-intensity style Amorim is attempting to implement. Securing the Swedish forward would provide a significant boost to a United side looking to re-establish itself as a Premier League powerhouse.
Amorim’s early assessments of the squad have already led to active changes. Reports indicate that Joshua Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna last summer in a £36.5 million deal, could be moved on to create space for Gyökeres. Zirkzee’s struggles to adapt have only strengthened Amorim’s resolve to bring in a striker of Gyökeres’ caliber.
Transfer Showdown
The battle for Gyökeres promises to be one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer. With City’s interest rooted in adding depth and United aiming to transform their starting XI, the stakes are high. Both clubs recognize the transformative impact a player like Gyökeres could have on their ambitions, setting up an intense race for his signature.
United’s Title Aspirations
For Manchester United, the acquisition of Gyökeres would signal a statement of intent under Amorim’s leadership. As the club continues to adapt to his demanding style, adding a proven goal-scorer could be the catalyst for a successful rebuild. Gyökeres’ ability to deliver in high-pressure moments would be invaluable as United aim to compete for domestic and European honors.
Looking Ahead
With Gyökeres’ future seemingly set for resolution in the summer of 2025, both Manchester clubs have time to strategize their approaches. For United, securing their top target would represent a critical step in their evolution under Amorim, while City’s interest underscores their relentless pursuit of depth and quality.
In the months to come, the football world will watch closely as two of England’s biggest clubs go head-to-head in the race to land one of Europe’s most exciting forwards. Whether Gyökeres chooses the promise of regular starts at Old Trafford or the prestige of competing alongside Haaland at the Etihad, his decision will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the Premier League.
