Viktor Gyokeres has been on Manchester United’s list of potential transfer targets for the past few months. He previously played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP.
The Swedish striker is in high demand from several clubs across Europe, and a significant transfer fee is expected for him this summer.
Sporting CP, led by Amorim, have consistently tracked Gyokeres`s situation in Portugal. However, it seems they are unlikely to secure a deal for the 27-year-old forward.
Gyokeres has previously expressed a desire to join Arsenal if he were to move to the Premier League during this transfer window. This has prompted Manchester United to look at other options in the market.
Several strikers have been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, and the club is considering multiple players. This could potentially lead to some current players leaving the squad.
The latest on United’s centre-forward situation this summer
Dušan Vlahović is one player who has remained on United`s radar recently, with talks reportedly taking place between United and Juventus for the Serbian international.
Victor Osimhen is another name that has been mentioned in recent weeks. However, the Nigerian forward would likely be expensive, with his current club, Napoli, reportedly demanding £64m for his sale this summer.
To bring in any of these attacking players, United may need to sell some current squad members. According to Man United Source, Rasmus Hojlund is getting closer to a departure.
The source claims the Danish forward has agreed personal terms with Serie A club Inter Milan regarding a move to the San Siro this window, with negotiations reportedly in the early stages.
It is also reported that Hojlund himself is pushing for the move to the Italian giants, particularly after scoring only four times in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 season.
Why one United star could be a repeat of Elanga
Anthony Elanga left United in the summer of 2023 in a £15m deal to join Nottingham Forest, ending his time at Old Trafford, which had once held considerable promise.
Since leaving the Red Devils, the Swedish winger`s career has progressed significantly, reaching new levels of performance under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo.
Last season, he played in every single Premier League match, contributing six goals and 11 assists, helping Forest secure qualification for the Europa Conference League.
However, it now appears he is set to leave the City Ground and join Newcastle United, with a £55m transfer fee being discussed for the 23-year-old.
Manchester United are entitled to a 15% sell-on clause from any deal this summer. Nevertheless, considering Elanga`s improvement away from Old Trafford, allowing him to leave a couple of years ago seems like a significant error.
A similar situation could unfold this summer with Hojlund. The Danish forward might regain his best form if he secures a permanent move away from Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old, valued at £70m by CIES Football Observatory, is considered worth more than Gyokeres, who is valued at £68m despite his recent prolific goalscoring record.
| Rank | Player | Joined from | Fee paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Paul Pogba | Juventus | £89m |
| 2. | Antony | Ajax | £86m |
| 3. | Harry Maguire | Leicester City | £80m |
| 4. | Jadon Sancho | Borussia Dortmund | £75m |
| 5. | Romelu Lukaku | Everton | £74m |
| 6. | Rasmus Hojlund | Atalanta | £72m |
| 7. | Ángel Di María | Real Madrid | £70m |
| 8. | Mathue Cunha | Wolves | £62.5m |
While Hojlund scored only four league goals last season, his first year at the club showed considerable quality, with 16 goals across all competitions, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level.
Selling him would provide immediate funds, but his young age means he has significant potential to develop and ultimately justify the £72m fee the club paid for him.
However, as the case of Elanga shows, selling young, talented players prematurely is a significant gamble and could result in the club losing a player who could become a star for the Red Devils in the future.
Whether his transfer to Inter Milan will be completed this summer remains uncertain. However, based on the latest reports, it appears he is moving closer to an exit. If he achieves the success Elanga has since leaving, his departure is something the Manchester United hierarchy will likely regret.
