Amorim Snubs Gyökeres’ Champions League-Only Ambition
Amorim Snubs Gyökeres’ Champions League-Only Ambition
Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Manchester United will not sign Viktor Gyökeres
Atlético Madrid are ready to trigger Sporting Lisbon’s €100 million asking price for the prolific striker
All roads to Old Trafford have been firmly closed for Viktor Gyökeres unless he commits to Manchester United’s broader project, manager Ruben Amorim has declared.
Amorim, who coached Gyökeres at Sporting, insists that United require wholehearted dedication—rather than a mere ticket to Europe’s elite competition.
A Phenomenal Season Spurs Transfer Fever
Gyökeres’ rampage through Europa has seen him net four goals in a single match and spearhead Sporting’s attack with ruthless efficiency.
His €75 million valuation on Transfermarkt has drawn admiring glances across the continent, notably from Manchester United and Atlético Madrid. Yet, despite United’s precarious 14th-place standing in the Premier League, Amorim remains unmoved by Champions League-centred overtures.
“If a player wants to come to Manchester United only to play in certain competitions, then they shouldn’t come at all,”
Amorim told Fabrizio Romano. “I want committed players who represent this club fully.”
With United’s only assured path into next season’s Champions League lying through an Europa League triumph—where they meet Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final—Amorim’s stance underlines his expectation of loyalty and ambition.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Viktor Gyökeres to Manchester United is reportedly a 'done deal’.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 28, 2025
It is believed that United have wrapped up the transfer for the Sporting striker. 🤝🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/iKlfrRYXHX
Atlético Madrid Circles
While United have been rebuffed, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are lining up a €100 million pursuit of Gyökeres.
Fichajes reports that Simeone admires his power, pace and prolific finishing—attributes that echo Atlético’s counter-attacking philosophy. Sporting, keen to capitalise on their star’s peak form, demand a hefty sum for the striker under contract until 2028.
What Lies Ahead for Gyökeres
Having tasted success in Portugal, Gyökeres must now determine his priorities. A move to Old Trafford offers Premier League prestige and Europa glory, but without a clear Champions League guarantee. Atlético represent a more stable route to Spain’s top tier and regular European nights.
For Manchester United, Amorim’s uncompromising message sets the tone for a summer overhaul: only players aligned with the club’s identity and long-term goals will earn a slice of history at Old Trafford.
