After leading Sporting to the 2024-25 Liga Portugal title with a jaw-dropping 54-goal season, Viktor Gyokeres appeared to be on the brink of his next big move. Arsenal, long in search of a true centre-forward, had advanced talks underway, with Manchester United also hovering. Yet just as it seemed the Swedish striker’s departure was inevitable, chaos struck.
Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, has reportedly backtracked on a verbal agreement that would have allowed the Swedish star to leave for $69 million. The about-face has left the striker furious—and thrown one of the summer’s most anticipated transfers into limbo.
Adding another layer to the drama is an old quote from none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, made six years ago but now circulating again as eerily prophetic. The six-word message he delivered—once meant for Bruno Fernandes—has taken on new meaning in Gyokeres’ situation.
Broken promise
When Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry City in 2023 for $27 million, he was promised a path out. According to Portuguese reports, the club agreed to lower their financial demands in exchange for the striker staying one more season. It worked out perfectly—the 27-year-old delivered trophies and goals, while Sporting raised his profile.
Now, despite widespread belief that a $69 million offer would be enough to unlock the door, Varandas is refusing to budge, reportedly demanding at least $92 million. The Swede’s representatives have been in Lisbon negotiating with Arsenal, but no deal has been reached.
“That was the promise that Arsenal and other teams interested in signing Gyokeres heard all season,” reported CNN Portugal, “but just when the deal was about to be signed, Sporting’s president decided not to keep his word.” The player is said to be angry and frustrated, even reportedly contemplating a strike, according to whispers from inside the Sporting camp.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s old words ring true
As this saga drags on, an old Cristiano Ronaldo quote has resurfaced—one that now feels hauntingly relevant. Back in 2019, Ronaldo was speaking about Bruno Fernandes’ then-stalled transfer from Sporting to Manchester United when he said: “Nobody knows why he doesn’t leave”, CR7 told TVi Portugal.
The same could now be said about Gyokeres. Despite 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting and interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, he remains in Lisbon—stuck between a club shifting the goalposts and a market full of suitors unwilling to play their game.
Ronaldo, who left Sporting for United himself in 2003, also told TVi at the time: “Possibly this new generation will be the best at the talent level. But that’s not enough. They have to want to. I have spoken to him. I’m a captain who wants to help and be helped.” Though Gyokeres is not a compatriot, the emotional and professional echoes of that statement resonate strongly today.
