Viktor Gyokeres has seemingly hit back at Sporting CP’s president after interested clubs were told they wouldn’t be blackmailed into accepting a low fee.
Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in signing the prolific striker, who has scored 97 goals in 102 games since joining from Coventry in 2023.
Gyokeres fired Sporting to the Portuguese titleReports in Portugal claim Gyokeres is threatening to go on strike amid claims Sporting have upped their asking price.
The 27-year-old has a release clause of £85m, but it has been claimed that the Portuguese club would accept around £60m.
That is because Gyokeres has a verbal pact in place with Sporting allowing him to leave for less after committing to staying for the 2024/25 campaign in which he scored 54 goals in just 52 games and won the Primeira Liga title.
However, indications are that the club would accept around the £70m mark.
Varandes spoke out in an effort to set the record straight amid the speculation in the press.
Varandas said on Wednesday: “I tried to take a three day holiday, I got back yesterday. I’ve seen so much information and counter information that it’s only right to come and explain the process.
“This starts last year, at the end of the season and Sporting is the national champion. In the transfer market we saw he was going to stay because no offers came in. The agent spoke to us to add some clauses. Hugo Viana managed the relationship with the agents as he always did, and did very well. This relationship is established with the sporting director.
“One of the agent’s biggest concerns was whether we would demand a release clause. Hugo Viana negotiated with the agents over several meetings until the agent demanded the attendance of the president. At this meeting, which the president, the agent and Viana attended, but not Gyokeres, he wanted to guarantee certain things.
“And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause at that time. For one reason: he was going to turn 27, and no 27-year-old player leaves Portugal for 100 or 90 million.
“At this same meeting, the agent wanted to tie the exit to a figure. I said the following: “It’s not worth us setting a figure because I don’t know what will happen in a year’s time.”
Man United and Arsenal are the frontrunners for Gyokeres“I don’t know if it is going to be 40, 60, or 80. What I can guarantee is I won’t demand 100 million euros (£85m).
“I didn’t speak to the agent again after that, I never spoke to the player about exits or figures. Now I see in the press that the agent is releasing information.
“I want to make something clear: Sporting has good judgement and sticks to its word.
“Gyokeres has scored 63 goals and made 10 assists. A fantastic performance. Easily among the best players to grace Portuguese pitches. And Sporting will not demand the release clause.
“Sporting will not accept blackmail or insults now. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10 (£51.5 plus £8.5m). As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”
Gyokeres appears to have hit back at these comments as he posted a cryptic message on Instagram.
Gyokeres is still likely to leave the Portuguese club this summerAFPIt read: “There is a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false.
“I will speak when the time is right.”
talkSPORT understands that Gyokeres is open to joining United to link up with former manager Ruben Amorim, even though the Red Devils cannot offer Champions League football.
As well as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown an interest in the Sweden international.
talkSPORT also understands two Saudi clubs, Al-Qadsiah and new Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, are interested.
It is not thought Gyokeres wishes to leave Europe, especially a year before the 2026 World Cup.
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