Viktor Gyokeres’ rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his meteoric transformation from a struggling forward to an “unstoppable” striker has captured the attention of football enthusiasts across Europe.
Manchester United, who are in the market for a prolific centre-forward, have reportedly taken notice of Gyokeres, who currently plies his trade at Sporting CP.
Gyokeres’ journey to the top has been anything but conventional. He spent his early years in English football bouncing between several clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Swansea City, and Coventry City. Despite flashes of potential, his time in England was marked by inconsistency, and he struggled to make an impact at Premier League and Championship level. It was only after joining Coventry City on loan in January 2021, a move that later became permanent, that Gyokeres truly began to blossom.
During his time at Coventry, the Swedish striker found his form, registering an impressive 43 goals and 17 assists in 116 appearances. His clinical finishing and growing confidence quickly made him one of the most coveted strikers outside of the Premier League. It wasn’t long before a move to Sporting CP materialized, with the Portuguese giants securing Gyokeres’ signature in July 2023.
One of Gyokeres’ former teammates, Coventry’s Jake Bidwell, has provided valuable insight into how the striker developed into the elite player he is today. Reflecting on their time together, Bidwell revealed that Gyokeres underwent a dramatic transformation both physically and mentally. “If you’d told me then he would have been banging in goals in the Champions League in three or four years’ time, I would have found it hard to believe,” Bidwell said.
Bidwell further explained that Gyokeres’ work ethic was a key factor in his development. After making his move to Coventry permanent, Gyokeres returned to pre-season training with a new determination. “He had been working out in the gym all summer, and it was almost like he was a different man,” Bidwell recalled. This new level of dedication not only enhanced his physicality but also boosted his belief in his own abilities.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
As a player, Gyokeres’ success can be attributed to three standout traits: speed, strength, and aggression. Bidwell emphasized that these attributes have made Gyokeres a force to be reckoned with in front of goal. “With the way he plays as well, with his aggression, the two (qualities) go hand in hand with how well he has done,” Bidwell said. “He all of a sudden realised how quick and strong he was and had the confidence to use it, and mixed with the aggression, it’s made him pretty unstoppable.”
These characteristics are exactly what clubs like Manchester United are looking for in a striker. Gyokeres’ speed allows him to stretch defences and create space, while his physical strength makes him a difficult opponent for defenders to handle. The added aggression gives him the edge in tight situations, whether it’s chasing down loose balls or finishing with clinical precision in the box.
Despite his recent success at Sporting CP, Gyokeres’ future remains uncertain, with Manchester United reportedly monitoring his progress closely. Under the guidance of their new manager, Ruben Amorim, United are keen to strengthen their attacking options, and Gyokeres has emerged as a potential target. While there have been rumors linking the striker with a January move to Old Trafford, Amorim has reportedly ruled out a mid-season transfer.
The Red Devils are expected to focus their efforts on securing a deal for Gyokeres in the summer of 2025, and they have been buoyed by the news that other top clubs, such as Barcelona, are now prioritizing other targets. This development could give United the upper hand in negotiations, especially if the transfer fee is reduced. Sporting CP, who initially held out for €100 million for Gyokeres, are reportedly now open to selling for a more reasonable €75 million (£62.5 million), which is excellent news for United.
Gyokeres’ performances in Europe this season have only added to his stock. He recently scored a hat-trick in Sporting CP’s stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League, a display that solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising forwards. With 23 goals in just 18 matches this season, it’s clear that Gyokeres is operating at the peak of his powers, and his potential is undeniable.
The possibility of Gyokeres joining Manchester United is an intriguing one. The club has struggled with consistency in their attack this season, and the addition of a player like Gyokeres could provide the spark they need. His speed, strength, and aggressive mentality would fit seamlessly into United’s tactical setup, and he would offer a new dimension to their attacking play.
In addition to his physical attributes, Gyokeres’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations, such as the Champions League, is also an attractive quality for United. The Swedish forward has shown time and again that he can deliver on the big stage, and his experience in European competitions would be invaluable for a club with ambitions to challenge for major trophies.
With Ruben Amorim now at the helm, Manchester United’s transfer strategy is expected to take a new direction. Amorim is known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, and he is reportedly keen on working with Gyokeres. There are even whispers that Amorim is planning for a tactical overhaul at United, with Marcus Rashford potentially moving to a central role and Gyokeres being a key part of that reshaping of the attack.
While it remains to be seen whether United will make a move for Gyokeres in the summer of 2025, there is no doubt that he is one of the most exciting talents in European football right now. With his combination of speed, strength, and aggression, he has the potential to thrive in the Premier League, and if United can secure his signature, they would be adding a striker capable of making an immediate impact.
For now, Gyokeres continues to impress at Sporting CP, but the rumblings of a potential move to Manchester United are growing louder. With his outstanding performances in both domestic and European competitions, it’s only a matter of time before one of the biggest clubs in the world comes calling. Whether that club will be United remains to be seen, but Viktor Gyokeres is certainly a name to watch in the coming years.