United are interested in acquiring Sporting’s former Sky Blues striker, but their chances of securing the Swedish star have suffered a hit.
The Sky Blues can only benefit from increased competition for the signing of Coventry City’s old boy Viktor Gyokeres.
Bayern Munich is apparently seeking to outbid Manchester United for the Swedish striker, despite the fact that the Red Devils have identified the Sporting star as their top target for this month. However, news that Bayern have reportedly entered the competition to recruit Gyokeres has dashed their hopes of signing him.
According to the Daily Star, the Germans have started talks with the forward’s representation and are willing to pay the £80 million buyout provision in his Sporting contract. The Sky Blues may benefit from a sell-on clause worth 10% of the difference between City’s selling price and the sum paid for him when he leaves Sporting.
Despite having a close relationship with new United manager Ruben Amorim from their time together in Lisbon, the 26-year-old is thought to be wary of a reunion due to the enormity of the task at Old Trafford. Gyokeres prefers to join a Champions League team next season, placing Bayern in a better position to get him, as United struggles in the Premier League rankings.
Gyokeres has 29 goals in 25 appearances for Sporting this season, including a hat-trick in the recent 4-4 draw with Guimaraes. In the summer of 2023, he departed Coventry for Sporting. The Sky Blues reportedly got roughly £20 million for the player when he met their ‘add-on’ requirements for goals, appearances, and success.
However, Coventry owner Doug King has downplayed reports of a significant cash gain for the Sky Blues if Gyokeres is sold.
“Viktor has gone crazy in terms of how he has performed,” said King on talkSPORT. “That was a difficult discussion with Sporting Lisbon, and if he goes elsewhere in his career, we will benefit. I am not holding my breath. We do not administer the club on that premise, but we will accept it.
“A substantial portion of that will go to his former club Brighton; everyone tends to think money would go directly into the coffers, but it will go down the chain. You should be bringing them up from your academy to get the complete 100%.”
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