Agent claims Sporting accepted Man United bid for Viktor Gyökeres — renewed move expected

Viktor Gyökeres’ representative Hasan Cetinkaya has claimed Sporting CP accepted a higher Manchester United offer “behind our backs,” adding that, with former director Hugo Viana in place, the deal would have been wrapped up swiftly. The revelation reignites United’s long-standing interest in the prolific Sweden striker and hints the pursuit will resume in the next window. While sections of the fanbase continue to champion alternative targets, the profile and output of Gyökeres align seamlessly with United’s need for a dominant, all-phase No.9. Expect fresh talks, a structured bid, and a renewed attempt to bring him to Old Trafford.

In recent public remarks, agent Hasan Cetinkaya alleged Sporting CP had reached an understanding with Manchester United for Viktor Gyökeres, with United ready to pay a higher transfer fee. He suggested that, under former sporting director Hugo Viana, the move would have been finalized quickly. The claims arrive after a summer in which United scouted elite centre-forwards while Gyökeres remained at Sporting. Online discussion has since flared, with some supporters preferring other targets and others urging a renewed push for the Swedish international.

🚨🗣️ Hasan Cetinkaya [Agent of Viktor Gyökeres]: "They [Sporting] had concluded a deal with Manchester United behind our backs, that was a problem. United offered a higher transfer fee. If [Hugo] Viana were still at Sporting, the deal would have been done within an hour.

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

From a squad-building perspective, this claim is a green light for Manchester United to re-energize their pursuit of a complete centre-forward who can elevate the attack immediately. Gyökeres is a high-usage striker who thrives with his back to goal, spins quickly into channels, and attacks crosses with conviction—traits that complement United’s wide supply lines and transitional threat. His pressing output and willingness to initiate contact would allow United to defend from the front and relieve pressure on midfield, while his set-piece presence adds a much-needed aerial dimension.

Strategically, United can structure any renewed approach to comply with financial regulations, leveraging add-ons, achievable performance triggers, and a favorable payment schedule. Sporting, historically firm negotiators, will point to his clause and recent scoring record to anchor a premium valuation, but the player’s fit and United’s need for a reliable, durable No.9 keep the pathway open. If concluded, the move likely reshapes the forward hierarchy while creating internal competition that raises standards across the front line. For Sporting, a major sale would fund reinforcements and sustain their competitive cycle domestically and in Europe, making negotiations pragmatic rather than purely obstructive.

Reaction

Fan sentiment online is split. A vocal group insists the club is already well-positioned up front and argues there’s no need to pivot, highlighting alternative targets and celebrating that a previous deal didn’t cross the line. Several point to a younger profile they prefer, emphasizing long-term upside over an immediate splash. Others repeat summer chatter that Champions League football would have been decisive and that Gyökeres simply prioritizes top-tier European competition now, which they believe explains the stalemate.

Yet there’s a sizable contingent calling for United to re-engage decisively. They underline Gyökeres’ proven output, his ability to bully centre-backs, and the way he knits counterattacks together without sacrificing penalty-box presence. To that camp, this is precisely the final piece: a plug-and-play finisher who also upgrades hold-up play. Even those wary of price concede his profile fits the team’s tactical gaps. In short, the debate is lively, but the prospect of a striker who raises the floor and ceiling of the attack keeps optimism humming.

Social reactions

Thank fuck! We dodged a bullet on this one!

Timbo Black (@black13695888)

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Thank god. Sesko is levels ahead

Craig Margerum (@CraigMargerum)

Prediction

Short term, expect United to reopen channels with Sporting and the player’s camp, sounding out a fee structure anchored below the release clause but padded by add-ons tied to appearances, goals, and European qualification. The club will aim to protect cash flow with staged payments while preserving room for a wide forward or midfield addition. If Sporting remain unmoved mid-season, a summer move becomes likelier—especially if Gyökeres sustains elite underlying numbers and the market for comparable No.9s tightens.

Scenario A: A January breakthrough via a creative package (fixed fee plus reachable bonuses) that satisfies Sporting’s valuation without breaching budget lines, allowing immediate integration. Scenario B: A gentleman’s agreement for summer, giving Sporting time to source a replacement and United clarity for squad planning. Scenario C (outside chance): Competition escalates, but United’s early groundwork and a clear starting role at Old Trafford tip the balance. Across all scenarios, Gyökeres remains a priority because his skill set dovetails cleanly with the team’s pressing, crossing, and transition principles.

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Conclusion

Take the agent’s revelation as confirmation, not surprise: United identified Gyökeres for his multi-phase dominance and will circle back with intent. He is the archetype this attack has lacked—physically imposing, technically tidy, and relentless without the ball. Marrying that profile with the current creators transforms the penalty area from a half-chance zone into a high-yield engine. The price will be premium, but premium talent solves multiple problems at once. Whether in January through a structured deal or in the summer with broader market leverage, the pathway is clear. If United want a ready-made No.9 to anchor their next cycle, Gyökeres is it.