Viktor Gyokeres sent transfer message as his manager defies golden rule

Daily Mirror

3 days ago

The stars are aligning for Sporting CP hitman Viktor Gyokeres to complete a big move this summer, and his current coach has gone against his own rule while discussing the striker's prospects
Few forwards are in as high demand as Viktor Gyokeres this summer, and Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson is all too aware of that fact. But the surge of interest in his team's top talisman means he's ready to break his usual habit of advising the player on his transfer.
Among the interested parties are Premier League heavyweights like Arsenal and Manchester United. Correio da Manha reported the Gunners flew a contingent to Portugal for talks with the player's agent this week, while a move to Old Trafford would see Gyokeres reunite with former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.
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Tomasson has admitted he usually likes to give players input on where to move, whether that be to benefit them in terms of playing time or stylistically. But the media circus that's erupted around Gyokeres has convinced him to remain out of the equation, at least in public.
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The former Blackburn boss, who took charge of Sweden's national team in 2024, has more of an inside scoop on the matter than most. But the 48-year-old was unwilling when asked if he would divulge whether he has a preference in where Gyokeres moves.
"No, of course not," he said while speaking to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet from the national team's training ground. "Because then it would be blown up like this [stretches arms]."
Like most national team coaches, Tomasson said he prefers to select players who are getting regular minutes for their respective clubs. He added that he regularly speaks to his players about "what would be a good and bad club," but it appears an exception will be made in Gyokeres' case, unless he reaches out for advice.
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"There are definitely players changing clubs! We know that each year," he continued. "If you look at each player, you need to make the right choice.
"You actually don't know if it's the right choice before you're at the club. You have family as well you have to have in mind. It's not easy, but at the end of the day, that's [football]."
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Gyokeres, who turns 27 on Wednesday, is arguably the form frontman in Europe after scoring 97 goals in 102 outings for Sporting. And those in his inner circle have been unabashed in admitting they want him to remain in Lisbon.
The player's uncle, Chris, revealed his nephew's summer prospects were a hot topic of discussion at a recent family dinner. And he left no doubt as to where he'd like to see the former Coventry talent end up next season.
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"Yes, very much," he told Sport.TV, when asked if he and the family felt connected to Lisbon. "Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay."
It was during the recent celebrations at the Taca de Portugal final that Gyokeres' girlfriend also gave her take on the situation. And actress Ines Aguiar was quoted saying she "promised" to do her utmost to convince him to stay at Sporting for a third campaign.