Who can stop Viktor Gyökeres? Arriving at Sporting CP in July 2023 after some experiences across the Channel (Brighton, Swansea City, Coventry City), the Swedish international striker (22 caps, 10 goals) continues to shine under the Lisbon colors. A real poison for opposing defenses and with a disconcerting composure in front of goal, the Stockholm native has been stacking goals, weekend after weekend, for over a year. Following on from a sparkling 2023-2024 season with 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 matches in all competitions, the 1m87 right-hander continues his meteoric rise today. Under the leadership of Ruben Amorim – who is living his last hours at the SCP before taking on a new challenge with Manchester – the 26-year-old striker has totaled 20 goals and 4 goals in 16 games.
A serial scorer with XXL statistics
Frustrated by the departure of his coach, the one who sees his contract run until June 2028 does not, however, seem perturbed on the pitch. Friday evening, Gyökeres terrorized the Estrela Amadora defense by scoring a quadruple. A new masterclass allowing his team to win 5 goals to 1 and thus consolidate their first place in the ranking. At the top of his game, number 9 of Leões should not fare well in Portugal. In recent weeks, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and even Paris Saint-Germain have been associated with Sporting’s serial scorer, currently estimated at between 60 and 70 million euros.
An amount well within the ropes of the various contenders, although the trail leading to the Red Devils has largely cooled in the last few hours. Present at a press conference on Friday evening and asked about his choice to join Manchester United, Rúben Amorim assured that he did not intend to shop at Sporting during the next winter transfer window. “I will not come for any Sporting player in January. These years at Sporting were the best years of my life and I will not forget them.”. A strong release therefore opening the door to competition for the Viktor Gyökeres phenomenon. And with this in mind, how can we not think of Paris Saint-Germain…
A complete profile but…
Leader of Ligue 1 but generally disappointing on the European scene (1 victory, 1 draw and 1 defeat after 3 days of the Champions League), the capital club is still looking for itself on the offensive level. If Bradley Barcola, top scorer in the French championship, has a string of very good performances in the Parisian jersey, Ousmane Dembélé is still criticized for his lack of efficiency, despite an undeniable impact in the game. In addition to the two Ile-de-France wingers , Luis Enrique’s gang is also struggling to find their Gyökeres. With Gonçalo Ramos currently on the flank and Randal Kolo Muani more than ever on the start, PSG is opting, today, for alternative solutions, whether Marco Asensio or Kang-In Lee, established in a role of false number 9.
Management largely assumed by the Parisian technician despite a performance still far from convincing. Thus, the former Real Madrid right winger has 2 goals and 2 assists while, at the same time, the native of Incheon can boast 4 goals. In addition to the figures, the offensive activity of the Parisians continues to question many observers. With such impactful wingers – without forgetting the contribution of pistons Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi – how can we imagine that a real number 9 could not bring real added value to the reigning French champions. Therefore, the Viktor Gyökeres option appears, as we write these lines, to be a real bargain. At least on paper…
And for good reason. If the qualities of the 26-year-old Swede are undeniable, certain reservations may nevertheless appear when discussing this possible market opportunity. What message would the capital club send to Gonçalo Ramos, about to make his return to competition, if the Nordic striker landed in the City of Lights? Why would Luis Enrique be more excited by the profile of the player trained at IF Brommapojkarna, he who already has two real 9s in his squad? Will Viktor Gyökeres have the same impact in a championship with very specific characteristics? So many questions adding to the fierce competition in this issue because if PSG were to take action in the weeks to come, it would still be necessary to get ahead of the copious ball of contenders…
