Manchester United are in danger of losing Viktor Gyökeres completely, after Fabrizio Romano revealed that the player has taken a “direct call” from a new big club. At the same time, a broken promise from Sporting CP threatens to destroy Ruben Amorim’s hopes of a reunion at Old Trafford.
After one of the club’s most turbulent seasons in a long time, Manchester United are now entering the transfer window with great eagerness to avoid a repeat in the 2025/26 season. Having already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for €62.5 million, the club is working hard to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
Read: Fans can’t believe how much Liverpool are paying for Florian Wirtz
Juventus enters the match
While negotiations with Brentford are ongoing, United can at least be confident that Mbeumo himself wants the move to Old Trafford rather than other offers.
Amorim is also looking to bring in a new striker to lead the attack in his 3-4-2-1 formation, and Gyökeres looks set to be the main target. But while the goal-scoring Sporting player has shown a willingness to join United despite missing Champions League football, the club are yet to make an official bid – and the hesitation could lead to them being beaten in the race for his signature.
This after Romano confirmed that Juventus have now made contact to probe the terrain:
“We know that it is difficult for Italian clubs to carry out such agreements. I’m not saying that Juventus are going to sign Gyökeres, but I can guarantee that Juventus called at the weekend to get information about the situation.”
Transfer fee dispute
United are still holding out hope of reaching a deal, but they will likely have to sell players first to finance a transfer. The club is working to get rid of players such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, all of whom are not part of the club’s long-term plans.
But it is unclear what price United will have to pay for the Swede, who has scored a whopping 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting. Initially, the club were willing to accept a sum under the €100 million (£84.7 million) release clause, but it has recently been claimed that they are now demanding a higher sum – possibly inspired by Liverpool’s huge payout for Florian Wirtz.
Dispute over transfer fee:
“Sporting had originally agreed to let him leave for around €65 million, depending on payment terms. This was because the player has always been professional and did not push for a transfer when he was in demand a year ago. But now the club is insisting on a higher sum, perhaps around 85 million euros, which has created tension.”
Osimhen deal in the works?
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen continues to reject offers from Saudi Arabia in favour of the Premier League, and United are preparing a player-split clash to lure Napoli, according to reports.
On the outbound front, Borussia Dortmund have “expressed their interest” in Jadon Sancho, and an immediate change of position is expected if the transfer goes through.
Erik ten Hag also wants a reunion with Rasmus Hojlund at Bayer Leverkusen, after the Dane’s performances under him at United.
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