Sporting president Frederico Varandas has lashed out over the future of Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres, aiming fire at the striker’s agent. Varandas has emphatically shut down reports claiming Sporting will accept £59million for the Sweden international, pointing the finger at representative Hasan Cetinkaya for attempting to orchestrate a transfer.
According to Record, Gyokeres has been left furious with the club for going against a gentleman’s agreement and refusing to value him at £59m. Instead, Sporting are said to be demanding at least £67m for the 27-year-old’s signature, less than his £85m release clause but higher than allegedly agreed.
Gyokeres is said to have informed the Portuguese champions that he feels disrespected and won’t play for the club again.
However, Varandas has made no mistake in shutting down the media noise and weighing in with his own version of events.
On Wednesday, the Sporting president issued an extraordinary explanation of the situation.
He revealed that in a meeting with Gyokeres’ agent last summer, the club agreed to accept a fee lower than his £85m release clause at the end of the season but insisted they didn’t settle on a valuation.
“I tried to take three days off. I came back yesterday. I saw so much information and counter-information that it is only fair to come and explain the process,” Varandas told reporters.
“It started last year when the [2023/24] season ended, and Sporting became national champions. During the transfer market, we saw that he was going to stay because there was no offer.
“The agent spoke to us to add some clauses. Hugo Viana, as he always did, and very well, managed the relationship with the agents. This relational space is established with the sports director.
“One of the agent’s biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause. Hugo Viana negotiated with the agents over several meetings until the agent demanded the presence of the president.
“At this meeting, which included the president, the agent and Viana, Gyokeres was not present. He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now.
“For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old, and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for £85m or £76m. In that same meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the exit to a value.
“I said this sentence: It’s not worth us setting a value because I don’t know what will happen in a year’s time. I don’t know if it will be £34m, £51m or £68m.
“What I can guarantee is that I will not demand £85m. From then on, I never spoke to the agent again. I never spoke to the player about departures or values.”
Varandas concluded by firmly stating that Sporting haven’t failed to meet any agreement and will still do business for a lower fee than his release clause.
However, after another prolific season in front of goal, he sent Gyokeres’ suitors a clear warning that he is valued at more than the £59m being touted in the media.
Varandas added: “Now I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word.
“Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf.
“And Sporting will not demand the clause. Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept.
“One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept €60 million plus €10 [in add-ons]. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”
The club chief didn’t confirm Sporting’s asking price, but it’s clear that United, Arsenal, Juventus and any other admirers may have to bid higher than initially expected.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk