Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting Lisbon, is reportedly pressing Manchester United to expedite the acquisition of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, fearing the Red Devils’ lack of offensive firepower could jeopardize their season. The Daily Star reports that Amorim’s concern is so significant that he’s advocating for a substantial investment this January transfer window, rather than waiting until the summer. This urgency stems from Gyokeres’ remarkable form, with the 26-year-old having netted an impressive 26 goals in just 24 appearances this season, including a memorable hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
Gyokeres’ current contract with Sporting Lisbon runs until 2028 and includes a hefty release clause of approximately £80 million. While Sporting might consider selling him for a slightly reduced fee of £62-70 million at the end of the season, Amorim’s insistence on immediate action suggests that any January bid would likely need to match the full release clause to entice the Portuguese club. This aggressive pursuit of Gyokeres underlines Amorim’s willingness to reshape his attacking line, with reports suggesting he’s prepared to part ways with both Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee to make room for the Swedish sensation.
Amorim’s rebuilding plans extend beyond the attacking front, with reports indicating his desire to strengthen the defense, particularly at left-back. Manchester United’s interest in Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez has emerged as a potential solution, although his £25 million buy-back clause won’t activate until next summer. This timing discrepancy might complicate any immediate transfer, forcing United to consider alternative options if they prioritize bolstering their defense this month.
Concurrent with these potential acquisitions, Manchester United is also grappling with the prospect of offloading underperforming players, most notably the £86 million winger Antony. The Brazilian, who has struggled to make a significant impact since his high-profile move, is attracting interest from several clubs, including his former club Ajax, Fenerbahce, and Real Betis. A January loan move appears to be the most likely scenario for the 24-year-old, offering him a chance to regain form and potentially resurrect his career trajectory.
The confluence of these transfer activities paints a picture of a club in transition, with Manchester United actively seeking to address both their offensive shortcomings and defensive vulnerabilities. The pursuit of Gyokeres signals a clear intent to inject much-needed firepower into the squad, while the potential departure of Antony and interest in Fernandez highlight the ongoing efforts to rebalance the team’s composition. These moves collectively underscore a proactive approach to rebuilding, aiming to reshape the squad into a more cohesive and competitive unit.
The urgency surrounding Gyokeres’ potential transfer reflects the pressure mounting on Manchester United to improve their league position. Currently languishing in 14th place, the Red Devils are acutely aware of the need to climb the table and secure a spot that befits their stature. Amorim’s push for an immediate transfer signifies the recognition that bolstering the attack with a proven goalscorer like Gyokeres could be the catalyst for a much-needed resurgence. This proactive approach to the transfer market signals a commitment to addressing the team’s deficiencies and restoring their competitive edge.
