For several months, Viktor Gyökeres has ignited Europe. Top scorer of the Sporting CP, the Swedish panics the counters with 36 goals and 7 assists in 34 games in all competitions. A regularity that naturally propelled it to the radars of the largest clubs on the continent. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United… and even for a time Paris Saint-Germain studied the possibility of making the 26-year-old attacker their future offensive weapon.
It is therefore with astonishment that we learn, via Foot Mercato, that a completely different project invites itself in the race: Al-Qadisiah, ambitious club of the Saudi Pro League, would have positioned itself to attract Gyökeres this summer. And this, despite competition from European behemoths. The Saudi club, supported by colossal financial means, would be ready to put between 65 and 75 million euros on the table, while the player's release clause is set at € 100 million.
Gyokeres ready to turn their backs on Europe, at 26?
If such a transfer were to materialize, it would be a real earthquake on the market. Gyökeres, still in full progress, would be one of the first players at the top of his form to choose the Saudi exile so early in his career. A choice that could raise criticism, as he imagined it imposed itself in a European top club and shine in the Champions League.
Gyökeres, the call for luxury rather than glory?
Admittedly, the Saudi Pro League clubs are not in their first media stroke. But see such a courted player to give up so quickly at the high European level for financial considerations challenges. The Al-Qadisiah project is ambitious, but remains far from the sporting standards of European giants. It would therefore be a daring bet, not to say a confusing decision.
It remains to be seen whether Gyökeres will give in to the call of petrodollars or if he will choose the sporting way. Anyway, this soap opera is only starting and could well symbolize a new disturbing trend in modern football.
