by Sporting Clube de Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres is the name on everyone’s lips ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League despite joining the Portuguese giants last summer. He enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Portuguese Liga, registering a combined 51 goals and assists in 43 games.
Arsenal and Chelsea were the clubs interested, with the Gunners said to be regularly tracking the Sweden international along with central defender Ousmane Diomande.
As a move to the English top flight could be on the cards for Gyokeres this summer, football.london talk to Journalist of record David Novowho shared a great insight on the front.
For those who are not familiar with Gyokeres, what is the profile of the striker?
I immediately noticed her physical characteristics. He is extremely strong and quick – his qualities allow him to have an advantage in many duels, whether that is advancing with the ball or dropping deep to join his teammates.
It is very difficult for other players to stop him one-on-one which makes him a very dangerous player in the movements he creates for himself and the team when they give him space for these actions, especially when it moves from left to left. middle, but also from the right. At the same time, he is also a player who knows how to move around the penalty area.
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What can he improve?
I wouldn’t say it’s much of a weakness but there were times when he insisted on playing solo because that’s his quality. He is an explosive player and uses his speed to take on the opposition. But sometimes his hunger to do it himself affects his decision-making.
What problems does it create for defenders?
Because of his stature, he creates a lot of problems on the field. Because he is a very dangerous player, he is the focus of every opposition.
Are his characteristics suitable for the Premier League?
without a doubt [they fit the Premier League]. Of course, not every team plays the same way but he is clearly a player with the characteristics of the English league.
He has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea – how would he fit in at those clubs?
It’s interesting how the English clubs only noticed Gyokeres because he’s having a great season or did they already know him from Coventry City, but didn’t think he was that good? It could be that clubs cannot buy all the players and because of the truth, this season is very significant for him.
Of all the three clubs, I think Chelsea would benefit more from this signing, as they need a striker and I believe he would fit the squad like a glove. But I saw that Chelsea are also interested in Osimhen, so Gyokeres future may not be at Chelsea.
Do you think he will leave Sporting at the end of the season or will the club oppose the whole interest?
It will be very difficult to keep hold of Gyokeres after the season he had. Not only for the money but for the eternal problem of the Portuguese clubs. It is difficult to compete with clubs from better leagues like the Premier League where everything has a different dimension. Gyokeres is already playing in England so he knows that better than anyone.
He has a €100m release clause. Boss Ruben Amorim said no player will leave for less than their clause but there are possibilities for Sporting to negotiate a lower fee. Does the club need to sell players this summer?
It depends. I believe Sporting will always need to sell even if they win the Portuguese title and secure Champions League football. It will depend on how much they have to invest next year but there is a way to do that without selling Gyokeres. For example, other players like Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande or Pedro Goncalves are interested.
But then get the same value [€100m], it may be necessary to sell more players which will result in the club having to sign more to replace those players. Sports refer to the release clause as the Portuguese clubs usually do but I believe there is room to negotiate a lower fee, perhaps an exchange of players could be dealt with.
What have you made of his season so far? Did he expect a player to have such an impact in the league, given that he was playing in the Championship not long ago?
I, like others, did not know Gyokeres. We can now see why Sporting were determined to get the deal done. It is difficult to find a foreign player in Portugal right away and I am only talking about his performances. Gyokeres in season, has become an idol for Sports fans.
His goal celebration has gone viral and everyone, especially the younger kids like to copy it. One of the most sought-after players for photos and autographs and on social media, he is a long-time fan favorite. If he leaves the club, he will be greatly missed by Sporting and Portugal.
