That release clause is higher than anything Swansea or Coventry City might have ever imagined.
If Viktor Gyökeres was hoping a spell in the Portuguese Primeira Liga would help boost his profile, the past season has seen such expectations massively exceeded.
The 25-year-old Swedish forward has a serviceable but not spectacular footballing CV that includes stints at Brighton, St Pauli, Swansea and Coventry. He fit goal-scoring form in 2021/22 and two solid Championship seasons with Coventry saw him earn a €20 million move to Sporting Lisbon, last summer.
That fee was a record paid out by the Portuguese giants but they must have been confident they had landed a top prospect, including a €100m release clause in Gyökeres’ contract. It is a good thing they did, as he has scored 31 goals, so far, this season and come up with another 11 assists. Life in Portugal clearly agrees with him.
It has now been reported by The Mirror that Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all monitoring the Swede closely, ahead of this summer’s transfer window opening up.
Man United and Arsenal linked with Miguel Gutierrez
As if possibly contending for the signature of Viktor Gyökeres is not enough, Fichajes is reporting that Miguel Gutierrez is also on the transfer radar of Arsenal and Manchester United.
The 22-year-old Girona defender is having a fine La Liga season, and is now on a lot of scouting lists. Girona are currently second in the league standings, seven points off leaders Real Madrid. United could certainly do with left-back cover, as anyone that has watched poor Victor Lindelof trying to cover Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia would tell you.
The big obstacle here may not even be Girona securing Champions League football for next season, and being in a strong position to hold on to top talents. Gutierrez was bought from Real Madrid for €5 million but Los Blancos hold 50% on any potential transfer fees, making them a likely destination if they want to bring him back into the fold.
Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo has spoken with Sky Sports about being feted by Manchester United before joining Liverpool, for £45m, last season.
“It was the summer [of 2022],” he explained. “I was in contact with the club (United) and Erik ten Hag. He’s Dutch, so I spoke to him as well. At the end of the day, it fell through. That’s it. And, in the winter, Liverpool came. It was the best decision for me.”
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- Jurgen Klopp “broke a promise”; before Liverpool’s second half stormer against Luton
- Roy Keane advice to Wayne Rooney shows why Ireland are finding it so hard to get a decent manager
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