According to reports, a surprise team has entered the running to capture Sporting Lisbon attacker Viktor Gyokeres.
With seven of those goals coming in Ruben Amorim’s final three games as manager before he left for Manchester United, the Sweden international has scored an incredible 23 goals in all domestic competitions this season.
Not surprisingly, Amorim and teams like Arsenal have been linked to making a move for the former Brighton and Coventry striker.
On Tuesday night, Gyokeres was in the front row as Arsenal crushed his Sporting team 5-1 in the Champions League. But the Gunners might potentially find a January signing tough considering their significant summer spending.
The striker has “his heart set on a move to the Premier League and a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United,” according to The Sun.
However, Sky Sports Germany reports that Amorim’s budget is anticipated to be rather low, and that United has shortlisted four additional strikers for the January transfer window.
This is where the fresh intrigue arises, as it is said that Barcelona is eager to sign the Swede in a surprising move.
Gyokeres’ interest in Barcelona was made public.
Less shocking, though, is the deal’s alleged structure, which isn’t entirely clear-cut as has become typical for Barcelona in recent years during their financial difficulties.
Sport claims that the Spanish powerhouses are prepared to relinquish the 50% sell-on clause they included in the agreement to transfer Sporting winger Francisco Trincao.
For about €10 million, Barca transferred the former Wolves loanee to the Portuguese team in 2022 and included a buyback clause that would increase annually.
According to Record, that buy-back value is currently €17.5 million, but it will increase to €20 million by the end of this season.
But given that they are reportedly willing to completely waive that provision in addition to the sell-on clause, it would seem that Barca would much rather sign Gyokeres than bring Trincao back to Camp Nou at a reduced cost.
Whether it be in January or next summer, it is certain that Gyokeres will have to make a significant decision regarding his future shortly.
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