Barcelona Plot to Beat Man United in Race for £83 Million Striker

The Competition: Man United in Pole Position

Manchester United are seen as the frontrunners for Gyokeres, buoyed by the recent appointment of Ruben Amorim, his current manager at Sporting Lisbon. Arsenal and Manchester City are also reportedly monitoring the striker, who is widely expected to leave Sporting next summer.

While Gyokeres has a €100m (£83m) release clause in his contract, reports suggest he could be available for €76m (£63m) due to a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the Lisbon club.

Barcelona’s Plan to Secure Gyokeres

According to SPORT, Barcelona view Gyokeres as the ideal heir to Robert Lewandowski, who has been in scintillating form this season with 22 goals in 19 appearances. Despite Lewandowski’s brilliance, Barcelona are planning for the future and hope to finalise a deal for Gyokeres next summer.

The Catalan club is reportedly offering a unique arrangement: signing Gyokeres and loaning him back to Sporting for the 2025-26 season. This strategy would allow Barcelona to accommodate Lewandowski’s continued presence while securing a long-term successor.

However, this plan hinges on Gyokeres’ willingness to remain at Sporting for an additional season, as Manchester United are actively working to close the deal as early as possible.

Lewandowski’s Continued Brilliance

At 36 years old, Lewandowski remains one of the world’s premier forwards, with 15 goals in 14 La Liga appearances and seven in five Champions League matches this season. His enduring form is reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to excel well into his late 30s, demonstrating that age need not be a barrier to top-level performance.

While Barcelona’s interest in Gyokeres signals long-term planning, Lewandowski’s exceptional form ensures he will remain a focal point for the club in the immediate future.