A so-called 'secret detail' is the reason behind this summer's ongoing transfer saga between Viktor Gyokeres, his agent and Sporting CP, according to a new report.
The 27-year-old striker, who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season, is being chased by a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, who became the first club to submit an official bid at a meeting on Wednesday.
The bid was said to be worth €60 million including add-ons, but the offer presented to Sporting was rejected as they continue to hold out for more money.
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Earlier this week, Sporting president Frederico Varandas accused Gyokeres’ camp of ‘blackmail’ surrounding negotiations over a summer exit, as he confirmed that Sporting would not accept €60 million plus €10 million.
As per Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokeres has become frustrated over Sporting’s lack of willingness to sell him. In fact, the same outlet sensationally added that the Swede had told Sporting bosses that he would never play for the club again.
Media in Sweden claim 'secret detail is why Sporting and Gyokeres are fighting'
A report in Sweden has attempted to "sort out" the details surrounding one of this summer's biggest transfer rumours.
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After the move was described as being "seriously infected", it emerged that Gyokeres' agent claims to have evidence in writing that Sporting promised him to let him go for €60 million + €10 million, according to Aftonbladet, as per the X account @SwedishRumble.
As mentioned above, Sporting president Frederico Varandas says his club will not accept "blackmail and insults" in the bidding process for Gyokeres.
Speaking to Portuguese media this week, Varandas said: "I tried to take three days off, I came back yesterday. I saw so much information and counter-information that it is only fair to come and explain the process.
"It started last year, when the season ended and Sporting became national champions. During the transfer market we saw that he was going to stay because there was no offer.
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"The agent spoke to us to add some clauses. Hugo Viana, as he always did, and very well, managed the relationship with the agents. This relational space is established with the sports director."
"One of the agent's biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause," he added. "Hugo Viana negotiated with the agents over several meetings until the agent demanded the presence of the president.
"At this meeting, which included the president, the agent and Viana, Gyokeres was not present. He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now. For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100 or 90 million euros.
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"In that same meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the exit to a value. I said this sentence: 'It's not worth us setting a value because I don't know what will happen in a year's time. I don't know if it will be 40, 60 or 80. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand 100 million euros. From then on, I never spoke to the agent again, I never spoke to the player about departures or values.
"Now I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word. Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.
"Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres."a
Topics: Sporting CP, Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Arsenal, Transfers, Premier League
Jack Kenmare