Gyokeres profile: How the Sporting hotshot with 54 goals this season would fit in at Man Utd

Viktor Gyökeres has emerged as a top target for Manchester United, a move that would reunite him with his former Sporting CP manager, Ruben Amorim, now at the helm at Old Trafford.

His remarkable goal-scoring exploits in Portugal have made him one of Europe's most sought-after forwards, igniting fervent speculation about a summer transfer.

The 27-year-old enjoyed an absolutely sensational 2024-2025 season with Sporting. Across all competitions, he found the back of the net an astonishing 54 times in just 52 appearances.

This prolific output included 39 goals in the Liga Portugal, securing him the Golden Boot and the Player of the Season award as Sporting clinched a domestic double.

His two seasons in Portugal have seen him amass a staggering 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 games, a testament to his consistent and devastating effectiveness.

Gyökeres is a complete centre-forward, blending raw physical power with intelligent movement and clinical finishing. Standing at 6'2" and powerfully built, he excels at holding up play, engaging defenders in physical battles, and creating space for teammates.

Beyond his strength, he possesses surprising acceleration to run in behind defenses, making him a dynamic threat. He is two-footed and a superb ball-striker, capable of scoring from a variety of positions and angles.

His ability to fashion chances for himself through quick turns, decisive runs, and astute flicks makes him a constant nightmare for opposition defenses. Furthermore, he is adept at linking play, dropping deep to connect with midfielders and wingers, showcasing his versatility as a creative outlet as well.

Manchester United's strong interest in Gyökeres is largely driven by Ruben Amorim's firsthand knowledge of the striker's capabilities within his system.

United's struggles in front of goal last season, contributing to their disappointing 15th-place Premier League finish, highlight the urgent need for a reliable and prolific goalscorer.

While the club has already secured Matheus Cunha and is actively pursuing Bryan Mbeumo, a proven central striker remains a paramount concern.

Sporting CP's vice-president has maintained that Gyökeres has a €100 million (£84 million) release clause in his contract.

However, reports suggest that Sporting might be willing to negotiate a lower fee, potentially around £60 million, following a verbal agreement with the player from last summer.

Despite Gyökeres recently expressing his comfort and enjoyment of life in Lisbon, the opportunity to play for a club of Manchester United's global stature and to reunite with a manager who clearly understands his strengths could prove highly influential.

While United's absence from European competitions next season might be a deterrent for some, their aggressive pursuit of Gyökeres signals a clear intent to rebuild and return to the pinnacle of English football.