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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres sent transfer message as his manager defies golden rule
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. 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. 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. "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]." 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. "Yes, very much," he told 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.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal and Man Utd in no doubt over Gyokeres transfer after family messages
Viktor Gyokeres' family have spoken out on the striker's future after he concluded another triumphant campaign at Sporting Lisbon, with Arsenal and Manchester United chasing his signature Arsenal and Manchester United fans are buzzing at the prospect of Viktor Gyokeres joining their ranks this summer. And certain members of his inner circle have already given some considerable clues concerning his transfer fate. The ex-Coventry star has thrived since joining Sporting Lisbon almost two years ago, having signed for the club under current United boss Ruben Amorim. Gyokeres has propelled the Lions to back-to-back Primeira Liga triumphs and topped the scoring charts in both campaigns, bagging an impressive 54 goals in all competitions this term. Sporting's dramatic comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Benfica and lift the Taca de Portugal saw the Swede bag a pivotal 101st-minute penalty that forced extra time. Partner Ines Aguiar was at the game and found herself swamped by eager fans, all desperate for a scoop on her beau's future. Amid the frenzy, Lisbon-born actress Aguiar reportedly assured the clamouring crowd and media that he would be staying put, according to A Bola, as she "promised" to do her utmost to convince him to commit to a third season with Sporting. The sway of a significant other can't be underestimated when it comes to transfers, but the Emirates has some significant edge over Old Trafford in terms of its current allure. Arsenal will return to Champions League contention next term, while United's fall to Tottenham in the Europa League final means they won't play European football of any kind. The Gunners reportedly entered discussions with Gyokeres' agent this week after Correio da Manha said representatives had jetted to Lisbon. Mikel Arteta caught criticism for failing to add another forward to his ranks last summer, but appears to be on the front foot in correcting that error this time around. Meanwhile, Gyokeres' uncle, Chris, dished the details on his nephew's future during a chat with the media ahead of the Taca de Portugal final. He divulged the Gyokeres family met up for dinner the night before, where the star's transfer future was a hot topic. And Uncle Chris wasn't shy about sharing his views from that discussion, albeit perhaps with a pinch of personal bias. Since Gyokeres settled into life at Estadio Jose Alvalade in 2023, his relatives have come to love Lisbon, and Chris went so far as to say the family agreed their golden child should continue calling the city his home. "Yes, very much," he told when asked if he and the family felt a connection to Lisbon. "Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay." The desires of Gyokeres' family won't concern Arsenal or United as much as the player's intentions, given that he will make the final decision. The Red Devils have at least one edge, given Amorim's shared history with the player, but United are no longer the same attraction they once were. And in fact the team may have already accepted defeat in the race amid word United seem close to bagging Wolves forward Matheus Cunha for £62.5million. Premier League rivals Chelsea are also understood to be eyeing a move for Gyokeres and can offer the Champions League football he'd desire. Sporting don't appear to be in a rush to sell their prized asset, believed to be on the market for £60m. At a recent press event set up by Radio Renascenca's Bola Branca, vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha provided some clarity on the matter. "Gyokeres? He has three more years on his contract," he said. "At the moment, there are no offers. He has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres' girlfriend makes transfer promise as Arsenal chiefs 'fly out'
Arsenal have reportedly ramped up their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres but the Sporting CP striker's loved ones, including his famous girlfriend, have voiced their preference for him to remain in Portugal Viktor Gyokeres' actress girlfriend has promised to convince the striker to stay at Sporting CP this summer. That is despite reports elsewhere stating that Arsenal chiefs flew out to Lisbon over the weekend in an attempt to push ahead with their signing of the 26-year-old. Gyokeres won and converted a crucial penalty during Sunday's Taca de Portugal final against Benfica to send the game to extra-time, before Sporting defeated their bitter rivals 3-1. The Sweden international's girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, was spotted in attendance wearing a Sporting jersey. Aguiar, who hails from Lisbon herself, was at one point swarmed by fans and had to field questions about Gyokeres' future. Portuguese outlet A Bola claims the social media influencer said in the viral social media clip that she 'promises' to try to persuade her superstar boyfriend to stay with the club for a third season. Correio da Manha on Tuesday reported, however, that Arsenal at the same time had sent representatives to Lisbon for talks with Gyokeres' agent over a deal. The report claims the Gunners presented the Portuguese champions with a bid worth €70million (£58.66m), while offering the forward a five-year contract worth €7m (£5.87m) per-year and a signing bonus of €12m (£10.06m). Arsenal have been strongly linked with Gyokeres in recent months as they look to sign a clinical striker after a disappointing season where Mikel Arteta 's side clearly lacked firepower. While other targets such as Benjamin Sesko have also been reported as being on Arsenal's radar, new sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to prefer the signing of Gyokeres. With negotiations now said to be ramping up, it remains unclear whether Gyokeres himself is open to a move to north London. The forward, who has netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games over two seasons for Sporting, played coy when asked about the Arsenal links ahead of Sunday's final - but did not rule out a move. The former Coventry City and Brighton man was asked to choose between London and Lisbon by Portuguese publication A Bola in an attempt to bait him into revealing his summer transfer plans. He responded: "I prefer Lisbon because I live here now. And yes, I like living here,' hinting that his future lies in the Portuguese capital, or merely that he's reluctant to give anything away. But it appears his loved ones are pushing for the Swede to stay put. Like his girlfriend, Gyokeres' uncle, Chris, recently voiced his preference and claimed the family had decided in a meeting that he would not leave this summer. Wearing a Sporting scarf and jersey on the same day that Gyokeres found the net to seal the Liga Portugal title for Sporting, Chris began by saying: "I'm super happy, this is amazing. We were here last year, it's the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!" Chris said when questioned if they felt a connection to Sporting: 'Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.' And when asked whether Gyokeres will stay at the club this summer, he replied: 'Yes, we think so.' Those comments were later put to Gyokeres, who downplayed them by saying: "They [his family] really like Portugal; I think they want to be here and enjoy the city, the good weather, and all the atmosphere. 'But it's football and that's another thing. We'll see what happens. Yes [I would like to win a third title with Sporting], but we'll see. I don't know what will happen in the summer... let's see what happens."
Observer
5 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Sporting beat Benfica to win Portuguese Cup
LISBON: Sporting Lisbon defeated rivals Benfica 3-1 to claim the Portuguese Cup on Sunday and complete an impressive double after edging out the same opponent on the final day of the league season. Rui Borges' side forced extra-time with in-form striker Viktor Gyokeres' penalty in the 11th minute of stoppage time after Orkun Kokcu sent Benfica ahead in the 47th minute. Conrad Harder fired Sporting in front after 99 minutes and Francisco Trincao wrapped up the win at the death against their Lisbon rivals. Sporting CP players and staff celebrates with the trophy after winning the Taca de Portugal. — Reuters Sporting's season was almost derailed when coach Ruben Amorim left to join Manchester United in November and his successor Joao Pereira struggled to get the team firing. Little over a month later Borges came in and steadied the ship, taking the team to a second successive Portuguese crown before making it a double. "We almost lost but in the last minute (we saved it), only a great team can do this," Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand told Sport TV. "It's an honour to be part of this team, I really enjoy it." Sporting CP's Francisco Trincao celebrates winning the Taca de Portugal with the trophy. — Reuters In the 2024 final, Sporting were beaten by Porto and Hjulmand was happy to rectify that this time around. "We weren't completely satisfied last year, we were left with a bit of an empty feeling but now the cup is ours and we want to celebrate," he said. It may be the last game Gyokeres plays for the club, with the 26-year-old striker in-demand among Europe's top clubs after an excellent season, in which he scored 54 goals across all competitions. "You have to ask him (about his future), he has a contract — if it were up to me he would stay," added Hjulmand. — AFP
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres incident and team-mate's 'cocky' quote tells Arsenal stars a lot
As Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres, a dressing-room tale about the Sporting Lisbon and Sweden striker has bobbed to the surface He may be a ferocious goalscorer, but Viktor Gyokeres also has a more light-hearted and playful side to him. The Sporting Lisbon forward could soon be on his way to the Emirates Stadium, as Mirror Football understands Arsenal are confident they will sign him, if they offer the Portuguese giants £60million. Gyokeres, 26, has established himself as one of the planet's best strikers and Mikel Arteta is keen on signing him. After finishing second for a third consecutive campaign, a new striker is at the top of the Gunners' wishlist. The ex-Brighton and Hove Albion forward's eye-popping goal-scoring statistics, domestically and in Europe, have made him one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. But while his prowess in front of goal needs no introduction, the Swede is also known for being a funny character in the dressing room. His mischievous nature was highlighted by a prank he played on fellow countryman and goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. After netting twice against Johansson, who was then playing for Rotherham, during his time at Coventry City, Gyokeres decided to send a humorous Christmas gift to his international teammate. Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Gyokeres said: "He (Johansson) received a Christmas present after the goal. He got a picture of me scoring the goal, and I signed it and framed it. "It was his Christmas present. Yes, it's true, but he has teased me before when I haven't scored. So it was nice now when I scored the goals." After describing the forward's prank as a "cocky" gesture, Johansson took the prank in stride, admitting to enjoying the banter. He said: "Yes, he was. But I like that. I'll give it back later." The centre-forward failed to score against Arsenal in the Champions League this year, so he wouldn't be able to repeat his gift for David Raya if signed by Arteta. Yet, his prank indicates that signing Gyokeres would bring not just a fearsome striker to Arsenal but also an entertaining and humorous personality. Gyokeres has been in sensational form this season, with a staggering tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances for Sporting. His dramatic penalty in the Taca de Portugal final, which was scored in the 11th minute of injury time, levelled the contest against Benfica, before his side scored two more goals to secure a successful double winning campaign. Post-match, when quizzed about his future, Gyokeres remained coy, telling journalists: "Let us see. "It's hard for me to say, because yeah it is football and you never know what's going to happen in the summer. So for me to say anything else than that is impossible." On the topic of a potential move to Arsenal, he said: "I don't know, I just focus on this. I've tried to focus on the last games because it's so important. "I don't want to think about anything else. So yeah, if anything is true, let's see in the summer." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
