Sporting Dismiss £59m Release Deal for Gyokeres

Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has dismissed reports that striker Viktor Gyokeres has a verbal agreement to leave for €70m (£59m), calling the claims inaccurate.

The 27-year-old Swede has caught attention from Manchester United and Arsenal after delivering 97 goals in 102 appearances across two seasons in Portugal. But despite speculation circling England, Varandas confirmed that no transfer bid has landed on his desk — now or last summer.

“There is no offer for Gyokeres, not today, not last year,” said Varandas.

While Gyokeres’ contract includes a €100m (£85m) release clause, Varandas addressed long-standing suggestions that Sporting previously agreed to accept a lower figure.

“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that,” Varandas insisted.

The Benzema-built forward rose through Sweden’s ranks and impressed at Coventry City with a three-year stint before moving to Lisbon, where he flourished under manager Ruben Amorim. His prolific spell reignited Premier League interest, but Sporting’s hierarchy remains firm.

Recounting discussions from last summer, Varandas said Gyokeres’ agent raised concerns about exit routes should offers roll in.

“One of the agent’s biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause,” the president explained.

“What was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now. For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100m euros or 90m euros.”

He added: “The agent wanted a set number. I said: ‘It’s not worth us setting a value because I don’t know what will happen in a year. I don’t know if it will be 40m, 60m or 80m euros. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand 100m euros.’”

Despite the speculation, the Lisbon club are standing their ground and waiting for any official approaches. Until then, Gyokeres remains Sporting’s striker — and a pricey one at that.