SportMargin
FootballManchester UnitedNewsPremier LeagueTransfer Rumours

Manchester United Rule Out January Move for Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres

Manchester United’s pursuit of reinforcements this January will not include Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, despite the Swedish forward being a dream target for manager Ruben Amorim. The reason? A promise Amorim made to Sporting upon leaving the club for Old Trafford in November.

Amorim’s Gentleman’s Agreement with Sporting

Amorim, who led Sporting to a Portuguese league title, assured the club’s hierarchy that he would not raid their squad during the January transfer window. This agreement was part of the negotiations to smooth his mid-season departure, as United triggered the £9.2 million compensation clause in his contract.

In one of his final press conferences as Sporting manager, Amorim made his intentions clear:

“I’m not going to sign anyone from Sporting in January – but I don’t know what I’m going to do in the summer.”

This promise has ruled out a winter move for Gyökeres, who has become a global star under Amorim’s guidance at Sporting. The 26-year-old, signed from Coventry in 2023, has been in scintillating form, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City. The Swede has an £80 million buy-out clause and is reportedly eager to reunite with Amorim at United.

Modest January Plans for United

United’s financial constraints mean that any January signings are likely to be loan deals. Manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged the club’s limited budget, explaining that player sales would be necessary to fund any new arrivals:

“We don’t have that possibility in January, if we don’t take [sell] some players. So it’s not the case that I am arriving here and I can spend a lot of money changing all the team.”

The Red Devils are currently exploring the possibility of outgoings, with Juventus interested in taking Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee on loan. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, sidelined under Amorim, has reportedly expressed a desire for a new challenge.

Summer Prospects: Gyökeres and More

While January is off the table, Amorim is expected to revisit his wish list in the summer. Gyökeres remains a priority target, as does Sporting’s highly-rated young defender Gonçalo Inácio. Both players could be integral to Amorim’s plans to rebuild Manchester United.

For now, United’s focus remains on stabilising a difficult campaign, having lost five of their first eight Premier League games under their new manager. Fans will be hoping that strategic moves in the transfer market—whether this month or in the summer—can help turn things around.

Related posts

Transfer Race for Omar Marmoush Heats Up Amid Mixed Reports

SportMargin

Manchester City Target Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush for 2025 Transfer

SportMargin

Liverpool Handed Boost in Pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush

SportMargin

Leave a Comment