Striker Viktor Gyokeres is set for a reunion with Ruben Amorim as a new Manchester United player starting from next season according to reports.
The 26-year-old has previously worked under the United boss at Sporting Lisbon where he is currently leading the attacking line.
Why has Gyokeres been linked to Manchester United?
The Swedish striker has been leading the line for Sporting Club de Portugal for nearly two seasons now and he’s been nothing short of a resounding success.
His first season was under current Manchester United gaffer Ruben Amorim where he fired in 29 league goals whilst helping the Lisbon side clinch their 20th league title.
During this year’s edition of the league, Gyokeres has scored 38 goals in just 30 games. His maturity in front of goal is supported by him exceeding his expected goals tally (xG) by nearly nine. The former Coventry City man also shone in the UEFA Champions League where he scored six in just eight games.
Manchester United struggles in front of goal have been clear to see for all observers. This season they are the 15th top scorers in the league, despite being 10th for shot-creating actions according to FBref.
Gyokeres’ previous relationship with Portuguese manager Amorim should also help any adaptation issues that other strikers could face when being put into Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. From the outside, it seems like the players at Old Trafford have found it a difficult switch midway through this season.
The story is being reported by Football Insider’s Callum O’Connell that sources have claimed the transfer to be a “done deal”.
Who is Viktor Gyokeres?
Viktor Gyokeres is a Swedish international who started his senior football career at Stockholm side IF Brommapojkarna, where, as a teenager, his goals helped his side gain promotion to the Swedish top-flight Allsvenskan.
His exploits in Sweden caught the eye of the Brighton and Hove Albion scouts whom he joined for three years. However, his time on the Sussex coast was a mixed one. The tall striker never made it onto the pitch in the Premier League.
Instead, Gyokeres travelled out on loan, first to FC St. Pauli in Germany followed by multiple loans to the Championship. It was at his final loan spell in Coventry that he made an impact.
His permanent transfer to Coventry occurred in the summer of 2021 and he followed this up with two high-scoring seasons under manager Mark Robins where he was the club’s top scorer in both years. These tallies earned him a move to Sporting Lisbon where he still plays.
Where else could Gyokeres go?
Whilst it has been reported that this is a “done deal”, transfers are a tricky business and last-minute changes have happened before.
Manchester United have been linked with other strikers such as Nigerian international Victor Osimhen and former Manchester City player Liam Delap.
Victor Gyokeres has also been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks. What is clear is that the prolific striker will most likely be playing for another club other than Sporting next season.