In the world of football transfers, one manager’s treatment of a player can ripple far beyond the pitch—and it looks like that might be exactly what cost Manchester United a shot at landing one of Europe’s hottest strikers, Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres Cooling on United After Lindelof Drama
Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker lighting up Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, had been heavily linked with a potential move to the Premier League this summer.
While Arsenal now look like the frontrunners, Manchester United were reportedly in the mix—until something changed his mind.
According to reports coming out of Portugal, Gyokeres was left unimpressed by how Sporting manager Ruben Amorim treated fellow Swede and Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof.
That incident may have soured the striker’s view of United altogether.
Shared Agent, Shared Frustration
One major connection here is their agent.
Both Gyokeres and Lindelof are represented by Hasan Cetinkaya, a Turkish businessman who’s been instrumental in shaping both players’ careers.
Lindelof had apparently been keen to continue at Old Trafford but didn’t receive a contract renewal, and Amorim’s lack of interest in him reportedly didn’t sit well with the defender—or with Cetinkaya.
That treatment didn’t go unnoticed by Gyokeres either.
Cetinkaya had even helped steer Gyokeres toward joining Amorim at Sporting, making the situation all the more personal.
Turning Down the Premier League Once Already
Gyokeres isn’t unfamiliar with Premier League attention.
Back in 2023, he was pursued by as many as eight English clubs after two strong seasons with Coventry City in the Championship.
Instead of making a move to England then, he opted to join Sporting in Portugal, a decision that raised eyebrows but made waves.
The club spent a record £18 million to bring him over from the Sky Blues—a deal that’s paid off handsomely given his performances.
What Happens Next?
While Manchester United might be out of the running, the striker’s next move still isn’t set in stone.
Arsenal appear to be in pole position for his signature, but the transfer window is far from over.
As for Gyokeres, his next club may depend just as much on off-pitch dynamics as it does on money or playing time.