Tag: Viktor Gyokeres

This just in — Liverpool have officially joined the high-stakes pursuit of Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres, placing themselves in direct competition with Arsenal and Manchester United, according to reports surfacing from Portugal.

I’m hearing that both Arsenal and United have already held in-depth negotiations with Sporting CP over a potential deal for Gyökeres. However, as of now, no agreement has been reached regarding the transfer fee.

Earlier this month, a key meeting took place in Menorca between Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, and Sporting’s counterpart, Bernardo Palmeiro. The subject of that meeting? A formal bid for the Swedish striker — who, remarkably, netted 54 goals in 52 appearances last season.

That offer from Arsenal reportedly totalled €55 million (£46.8m) up front, with an additional €10m (£8.5m) in performance-related add-ons. But that bid was swiftly turned down by Sporting.

Now, Liverpool have entered the frame. The Merseyside club are said to be targeting Gyökeres as a possible replacement for Darwin Núñez, who has agreed personal terms with Napoli — though no fee has yet been settled with the Serie A champions.

According to Correio da Manhã, Liverpool have formally contacted Sporting CP to open discussions, and the Portuguese giants are demanding €80 million (£68.1m) for their star forward. While Gyökeres has a €100m (£85.1m) release clause, sources suggest Sporting are willing to negotiate below that threshold — but not without friction.

In fact, tensions appear to be rising inside the Lisbon-based club. Sporting president Frederico Varandas recently lashed out at Gyökeres’ representatives amid rumors of a pre-agreed fee.

“Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me,” Varandas declared. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m [£51m plus £8.5m] because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse.”

Meanwhile, fresh reports from Portugal this week suggest that Gyökeres may now be prepared to take drastic measures — including going on strike — in an effort to push through a move to Arsenal, who are believed to be his preferred destination.

Manchester United remain firmly interested, but their lack of European competition next season is understood to be a significant drawback in Gyökeres’ eyes.

For now, the saga continues, with Liverpool now squarely in the mix. Keep it here for live updates as this transfer story develops.

Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have received a significant boost in the transfer market following Sporting Lisbon’s substantial reduction of Viktor Gyokeres’ price.

The three English clubs, alongside Premier League champions Manchester City, are all vying for the Swedish striker’s signature next summer. Initially, Gyokeres had a €100m (£83m) release clause in his contract with Sporting, but new reports suggest a revised agreement has been reached.

According to Sky in Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Gyokeres can now leave Sporting for a fee ranging from €60m (£49.9m) to €70m (£58.20).

The 26-year-old has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing an assist in just nine appearances in the Portuguese league. Last season, he netted 43 goals and contributed 15 assists in 50 matches across all competitions, solidifying his status as one of the most sought-after strikers in football.

In September, Gyokeres acknowledged that his €100m release clause was “probably a bit too much” and likely deterred potential suitors. He explained to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, “They (Sporting) wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight. It was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course it’s a lot of money. But that’s what Sporting thinks I’m worth, and then you have to respect that.”

Gyokeres joined Sporting in 2023 from Coventry City, where he had spent two years after moving from Brighton in 2021.

Additionally, former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna expressed his desire for Arsenal to secure Gyokeres in a recent interview with Metro. “He’s amazing,” Sagna said. “He’s a pure striker who would offer some depth. He’s also quite tall so whenever the team are out wide, they can cross the ball a bit more and that’s been missing a bit for me.”

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“Trent Alexander-Arnold clarifies his stance on Liverpool’s title aspirations: ‘it doesn’t bother me’”

Trent Alexander-Arnold shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s strong start under new manager Arne Slot and addressed doubts about their potential as Premier League title contenders.

Liverpool currently leads the league with seven wins out of their first eight matches, sitting just one point ahead of Manchester City and four points above Arsenal, who were anticipated to be key challengers this season.

When asked about external skepticism, Alexander-Arnold stated to Sky Sports, “It doesn’t bother me. We had to try and figure out how good we were as a team in a new system and if that system was going to work and obviously it has.”

He acknowledged the presence of many world-class players but emphasized the challenges of adapting to a new manager and system. “But for us, we were training, we felt good and we got off to a good start. As soon as we came in for the first chat with the manager, it was ‘we want to win things.’”

Liverpool is set to face Arsenal on Sunday, marking a significant challenge for Slot. The manager recognized the difficulty of the matchup, saying, “We know how tough an opponent Arsenal are, especially in their own stadium.” He reflected on a previous encounter and noted the necessity of being at their best to secure a positive result.

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta also emphasized his team’s readiness, stating they would be “flying” despite recent injury issues. Following their 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta acknowledged the physical demands on players returning from international duties.

“That didn’t help. But we have now four days. Believe me, come Sunday we’ll be flying. For sure.” He expressed confidence in their preparation, saying they would review and rest before focusing on the upcoming match

Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has addressed his future after an impressive start to the 2024/25 season with Sporting Lisbon, drawing interest from clubs like Liverpool.

Since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry last season, Gyokeres has consistently found the net, scoring 43 goals in 50 matches last term. This season, he has already netted 12 goals and provided five assists, with eight of those goals coming in domestic play and one in the Champions League against Lille, contributing to a 2-0 victory.

His goal-scoring prowess has attracted attention from various European clubs, including Liverpool. Gyokeres recently indicated that he has a release clause in his contract, which could facilitate a move next summer. “Yes, the release clause into my contract is high but I’m happy at Sporting,” he stated through Fabrizio Romano. “I had no problems when I had to stay here for one more season. My value is there and that’s it now, we will see when something happens.”

Reports suggest that Gyokeres has a $111m (£83m/€100m) release clause, which posed challenges for clubs during the previous transfer window. However, FootballTransfers mentions that Sporting might consider selling him for less in January or next summer.

According to Liverpool.com: “With everyone on the hunt for a prototype-Haaland-esque striker, Viktor Gyokeres would fit the bill for a number of clubs keen on bringing in a top-class forward this coming summer.

Strong, fast, and deadly in front of goal, Gyokeres will surely be on the move next summer if a club can find common ground with Sporting over a fee for the Swede. Arsenal are also said to be interested in the Sporting striker, so Liverpool would need to act swiftly if they view him as the perfect forward to lead Arne Slot’s attack.

That said, there’s every chance they may be slightly concerned after how their last big-money signing striker, Darwin Nunez, has fared since his 2022 switch to Merseyside from Benfica, which could put doubts in the Reds’ minds.”

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‘According to what I’ve heard’: Fabrizio Romano’s morning update brings positive news for Liverpool supporters

Fabrizio Romano’s morning update brings positive news for Liverpool supporters.

Romano reports that Virgil van Dijk is not currently in negotiations with any other club about leaving Liverpool next year. The 33-year-old defender is “fully focused” on Liverpool and working with Arne Slot, who has taken over from Jurgen Klopp after his nine-year tenure ended this summer.

“Nothing will be decided now, nothing is over and nothing has already been extended. So let’s give them time to discuss all these important topics,” Romano told The Daily Briefing.

“From what I am told, Van Dijk is not negotiating with any other club as he is fully focused on Liverpool, concentrating on achieving something special with the Reds’ new coach and management team. In the coming weeks and months, his representatives will discuss his future with Liverpool.”

If a Liverpool player does not renew their contract, the responsibility lies with the club

Van Dijk, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is expected to enter discussions with the club regarding their contracts, which expire in 2025.

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in a £75 million transfer in January 2018.

While the responsibility for renewing contracts for these key players may largely fall on the recruitment team, it is essential to acknowledge that any decision made will be based on valid reasoning.

Liverpool fans might understandably be concerned about the possibility of losing any of these players on a free transfer next year. Nevertheless, both Van Dijk and Mo Salah have clearly expressed a desire to discuss extending their time at Anfield.

The situation with Alexander-Arnold remains somewhat uncertain, particularly given potential interest from Real Madrid. However, previous statements suggest he is open to negotiations.

It is currently said that Liverpool is attempting to sabotage Arsenal’s acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres, who is supposedly their top target.

This information was provided by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider. The report in question states that while the Swede’s £86 million release clause is still in effect, a transfer to the Premier League is doubtful.

The Sporting Lisbon player has drawn a lot of attention in hiring him after an incredible season for Ruben Amorim’s team.

The 26-year-old helped the Primeira Liga team win the league title in 2023–24 by contributing 58 goals in 50 games (across all competitions).

Not a player that Liverpool truly need

And we continue to stand by that.

Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo are now available for Liverpool and can play centrally in the forward line.

We just aren’t going to sign a new striker without first selling one, much as with Luis Diaz. To be honest, we don’t think such scenario will materialise.

We would have to advise supporters not to take this report at face value based on that premise.

Gyokeres might be a good addition for one of our competitors, but it’s unlikely that he’ll sign with Liverpool this summer. especially not at the listed cost.

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Following recent events, Joel Matip may now assist Liverpool in signing a “dominant” defender this summer.

After Arne Slot was appointed, Liverpool’s summer transfer market is still waiting to begin.

With no new faces to introduce to their supporters on the other side of the Atlantic, the Reds have officially begun their preseason tour of the United States.

With little movement in the window, Arne Slot’s new dawn at Anfield will provide many questions about what is to come over the following few months.

Saudi Arabia has shown interest in Virgil van Dijk, which puts his future at Liverpool in jeopardy.

But the Reds might already be considering his replacement and might even recruit the aid of one of their former stars to help get a trade through.

Liverpool may sign a defensive target with Joel Matip’s assistance.

Joel Matip’s time on the Merseyside team ended at the end of the 2023–2024 season, and he left Liverpool.

Matip does not yet have a club, but that may soon change as there is interest in signing the Cameroonian international.

Matip and Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen are currently in talks as the free agent searches for his future team.

And as the Reds look to bolster their own defence in the upcoming weeks, this is something that may truly help.

Jonathan Tah, a centre back for Leverkusen, is a target for Liverpool and may be moving this summer.

This summer, the German defender has drawn a lot of attention, with Manchester United being strongly linked.

The Bundesliga champion’s hold on Tah might, however, be loosened if Matip were to go to Leverkusen this summer.

Liverpool may have an opening to go for the “dominant” Tah if Matip signs with Xabi Alonso’s team.

Given that Leverkusen may sign an experienced defender, they might be more open to talking about their 28-year-old player leaving, considering he just has one year left on his deal.

Liverpool may lose even more defenders in the future.

Given that Matip left the Reds at the end of the previous season, there may be a significant turnover at the back this summer.

There are several current Liverpool defenders besides Van Dijk who might be planning to follow Matip out of Anfield.

With just one year left on his contract with the Reds, Trent Alexander-Arnold is also attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Liverpool supporters will be crossing their fingers that their greatest stars do not follow suit in the wake of the recent loss of Jurgen Klopp.

They might, however, make a significant signing this summer in Tah, a defender who was instrumental in Leverkusen’s incredible 2023–24 campaign.

Viktor Gyokeres, a striker for Sporting CP, has been rumoured to leaving the team this summer.

The 26-year-old has excelled since joining the Portuguese division, and in all competitions last year, he scored 43 goals and grabbed 15 assists.

According to Football Insider, teams including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have all expressed interest in signing the player.

The Swedish international has the ability to completely change all four clubs. He is considered by many to be one of the best goal scorers in European football at the moment.

Nicolas Jackson was a striker in La Liga before joining Chelsea last summer, but he hasn’t exactly impressed. The 26-year-old Sporting CP player would be the perfect addition for Chelsea, who are in need of an upgrade. He has established himself as a trustworthy goal scorer and will also provide creative support.

Similar to this, Tottenham is in desperate need of a trustworthy finisher since Harry Kane left. Gyokeres may change them in the latter third, making him the perfect addition.

Gyokeres is also desired by Liverpool and Arsenal. A dependable finisher would also be helpful for Liverpool, especially given Darwin Nunez’s recent play. The Uruguayan international is still a talented player, but in the previous campaign, he had trouble capitalising on clear opportunities. In the last third, Liverpool has to be more inventive.

Regarding Arsenal, the Gunners must replace Gabriel Jesus, who managed just four goals in the league the previous year. With him leading the line, they have no chance of winning the league championship.

All four teams may find the Swedish international striker to be the perfect fit, but it is unclear if they will formally express their interest in signing him. The striker’s contract contains an £86 million release clause, so it’s unlikely that he’ll be an inexpensive addition this summer.

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FSG withdraws from Bordeaux deal; statement made; Liverpool owners explain choice

Liverpool’s owner, FSG, has pulled away from an agreement to buy French club Bordeaux. The reasoning behind the decision has been explained.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owner of Liverpool, has withdrawn from a proposed takeover bid for French club Bordeaux. Looking to transition to a multi-club model, the American group had been in talks with the Ligue 2 side.

However, a press release from Bordeaux has stated that exploratory conversations between FSG and the six-time French champion have concluded. Liverpool’s ownership group will instead look elsewhere to grow its portfolio.

“FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder have been informed by Fenway Sports Group of its desire not to pursue discussions initiated in recent weeks with a view to purchasing the club,” according to a statement. “This decision is explained in particular by the stadium’s substantial expense in the coming years, as well as the overall economic environment of French football.

“FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Gérard Lopez would like to thank Fenway Sports Group for their interest in the club and its teams, as well as for travelling to meet with its stakeholders. The Club and its shareholders are currently focusing all of their efforts on finalising a funding plan for the 2024/2025 season in preparation for the appeal hearing.”

According to Liverpool.com, while a move to acquire Bordeaux appeared to make sense, the reasons for pulling out of a potential agreement mount up. It will be intriguing to watch where FSG goes next as it seeks to acquire another football team.

The benefits of doing so are obvious, but it must be the proper move to be effective. Michael Edwards and Julian Ward will both be involved once a new team has been formed, with the latter having been part of the discussions in this case.