Viktor Gyokeres January transfer saga: Man United and Barcelona's pursuit of Sporting CP's star striker reaches climax

In-demand frontman Viktor Gyokeres has told his agency of his plans for the now-open January transfer window.

Gyokeres is thought to have no desire to quit Sporting before the end of the season. According to Spanish daily AS, at a meeting with agent Hasan Cetinkaya, the Sweden international communicated that choice.

Sporting CP star striker 'Viktor Gyokeres.'

Getty Images Sport

A late bloomer. Gyokeres has emerged as one of Europe's most talked-about attackers this season, owing to his 73 goals in all competitions for Sporting since the start of the previous season, including 30 by the midway point of the current campaign. After thriving under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, the ties to Manchester United were evident and expected. Barcelona is likewise pondering a future beyond Robert Lewandowski, although they continue to suffer financially.

Gyokeres had never played a single minute of top-flight football until joining Sporting in the summer of 2023, but his contract with the Lisbon giants has a whopping €100 million (£83 million/$103 million) release clause, which they are expected to insist be used before letting him leave.

Gyokeres has another half-season to give it his all, assuming that he will likely move on to a greater stage than Sporting in the summer. The 26-year-old is on track to surpass his 43 goals from last season and may perhaps reach 60 at club level alone if he maintains his present pace. Furthermore, Barcelona may choose to postpone deciding on his future until the summer, giving them time to gather the necessary finances.