As the summer transfer window’s first phase draws to a close, Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker remains a top priority. Having already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million and young defender Diego Leon, the Red Devils are still eager to bolster their attacking options. All eyes are now on Sporting Lisbon’s prolific forward, Viktor Gyokeres, who has just delivered a massive boost to United’s hopes by turning down a colossal offer from Saudi Arabia. This dramatic turn of events sets the stage for a tense three-way battle in the Premier League for his signature, with Arsenal and Chelsea also firmly in the race.
Gyokeres’ Choice: European Ambition Over Saudi Riches The biggest news breaking on the final day of this transfer window segment is Viktor Gyokeres’ resounding rejection of a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. According to L’Equipe, Al-Hilal, after being rebuffed by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, tabled an astonishing offer for the Swedish international. They reportedly offered Gyokeres a staggering £30 million-a-year deal in salary and indicated a willingness to pay Sporting Lisbon around £55 million for his services. This is a monumental sum for a player who, just two years ago, joined Sporting CP from Coventry City for approximately €20 million (£17 million).
However, Gyokeres has made his preference abundantly clear: he “remains keen on staying in Europe for the foreseeable future.” This decision is a testament to his ambition to compete at the highest level, prioritizing sporting challenges over immense financial gain. For Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, who have all been monitoring the 27-year-old, this rejection is a huge boost, eliminating a formidable financial competitor and keeping the battle for his signature firmly within the Premier League.
The Striker Landscape: United’s Urgent Need and Competition Despite already signing Matheus Cunha, who arrived for a significant £62.5 million after his release clause was activated, Manchester United’s desire for another potent striker is evident. Rasmus Hojlund’s future has been subject to speculation, with reports suggesting Inter Milan’s interest, though United are not actively looking to offload him. The urgency for a new No. 9 is amplified by the closing of the “first transfer window of the summer” on Tuesday evening, forcing United chiefs to act swiftly.
The competition for Gyokeres’s signature is fierce. Arsenal and Chelsea are also deeply involved, recognizing his incredible goal-scoring prowess that saw him net 39 goals in 33 Liga Portugal matches last season. Sky Sports reports that Sporting are holding out for an offer above £58 million (€70 million), despite a rumored €100 million (£84 million) release clause. It’s also been reported that Gyokeres has a “gentleman’s agreement” to leave for less than his release clause this summer, though Sporting is reportedly demanding more than initially agreed, leading to some discontent from the player.
Adding another layer to United’s striker hunt is Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford. He has emerged as a “major target” for United, with an initial £55 million bid reportedly rejected by Brentford, who are holding out for a fee closer to Cunha’s £62.5 million. However, Mbeumo’s potential move to United is complicated by Thomas Frank’s impending move to Tottenham as their new manager. While Frank might want to bring Mbeumo with him to Spurs, reports suggest Mbeumo himself has prioritized a move to Old Trafford and the project under Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim’s Influence and United’s Vision The mention of Ruben Amorim, Sporting Lisbon’s former manager, is significant. Amorim is now Manchester United’s head coach, and he is a “big admirer” of Gyokeres, having managed him at Sporting. A reunion could be a powerful factor in swaying Gyokeres towards Old Trafford. This potential link-up highlights United’s strategic approach to recruitment, seeking players who have previously thrived under their new manager’s system. The overall vision for United’s attack now appears to be a blend of proven talent like Cunha, the potential of Mbeumo (if acquired), and the formidable goal-scoring ability of Gyokeres, should they win this crucial transfer race.
Viktor Gyokeres’ rejection of a staggering Saudi offer has ignited the Premier League transfer market, placing Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea in a direct battle for one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers. With the transfer window’s first phase nearing its end, United’s urgency to land a prolific goalscorer like Gyokeres or Mbeumo is palpable. The Swede’s clear preference for European football, coupled with his former manager Ruben Amorim’s presence at Old Trafford, gives United a significant advantage. The coming hours will be crucial, as the Red Devils push to secure the attacking firepower needed to compete at the highest level next season. This saga is a true testament to the player’s ambition and the intense competition at the pinnacle of European football.