€100 Million – Sporting CP Put Price On Arsenal And Chelsea Target

Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has made bold claims about Viktor Gyökeres, stating that he has seen “inferior players sold for over 100 million,” as reported by Maise Futebol.

As one of the most highly regarded forwards in European football, Gyökeres has been making headlines for his impressive performances in Portugal. Now in his second season at Sporting, the Swedish striker has a release clause of 100 million euros, a figure Varandas believes is more than justified given the player’s quality.

Speaking on the potential for Gyökeres to attract major offers from Europe’s top clubs, Varandas emphasized that triggering such a high release clause often depends on timing and competition between interested parties. “Hitting a 100 million clause depends on the player’s current situation, his age, and whether there is more than one club in the running,” Varandas explained. “I have seen players who are inferior, in my opinion, being transferred for over 100 million and great players for under 100.”

While Gyökeres is seen as Sporting’s most valuable asset, Varandas was quick to highlight the strength of the overall squad, noting that talented teammates like Pedro Gonçalves and Francisco Trincão well support the forward. “We have a strong team, and Viktor knows that two stars like Pote and Trincão well support him,” Varandas said, reinforcing the notion that Sporting’s success is built on more than just one player.

Gyökeres’ impressive start to the season, with 10 goals and five assists in seven games across all competitions, has not gone unnoticed by Premier League clubs. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the striker, who previously played in England with Coventry City. Despite this, sources indicate that a January move is unlikely, as Gyökeres remains focused on his current season with Sporting.

Sporting may face a challenge in keeping hold of their star striker, given the reported interest from England, but for now, the player and club appear content. Varandas concluded by reaffirming that any potential success will be determined on the pitch: “If we are going to overcome our rivals, it will be on the pitch.”

Victor Gyökeres – Made In Coventry

Gyökeres began his professional football career with Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna, progressing through their youth academy and making his senior debut in the Swedish second division. During his time with Brommapojkarna, Gyökeres impressed with his goal-scoring ability, netting 13 goals in 56 appearances, which earned him attention from abroad.

In 2018, Gyökeres moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. However, he struggled for first-team opportunities, making only a few senior appearances for the club. To gain more experience, he spent time on loan at German side FC St. Pauli, where he scored seven goals in 26 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga. Gyökeres also had loan spells at Swansea City and Coventry City, with the latter proving to be a key moment in his career.

In January 2021, Coventry City secured Gyökeres on a permanent transfer from Brighton for a reported fee of £1 million. The Swedish forward quickly became a crucial part of Coventry’s attack, making 92 appearances and scoring 38 goals during his time in the Championship. His performances attracted interest from bigger clubs, and in 2023, Sporting CP signed him for €24 million (£20 million).

Site Opinion: Pricey Potential

Gyökeres has proven himself to be one of Europe’s hottest striking talents, and with a €100 million release clause, Sporting CP has made it clear they intend to protect their investment. Whether any club will trigger that clause remains the big question. In today’s market, clubs are willing to spend exorbitantly for top talent, as evidenced by recent deals for players Varandas has hinted at. However, Gyökeres’ price tag may be a double-edged sword.

On one hand, the hefty clause demonstrates Sporting’s confidence in the player’s abilities and value. His early-season form, with ten goals and five assists already, suggests he could justify such a price if his performances continue at this level. On the other hand, such a high figure might deter some clubs, especially those looking for value in a competitive transfer market.

What complicates the situation further is that while Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea are keen on Gyökeres, meeting his release clause doesn’t guarantee success. High transfer fees often come with heightened pressure and expectations, and while Gyökeres has been thriving in Portugal, the step up to a league like the Premier League comes with its challenges. Additionally, Sporting may find themselves in a tricky position—balancing between cashing in on their star striker or holding on to him in hopes of even greater future success.

Ultimately, Gyökeres’ value will be determined by how the transfer market evolves and how long Sporting can resist the inevitable interest from Europe’s elite clubs.