Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Viktor Gyokeres, the club's star striker, and his potential move to the Premier League. Despite widespread reports of a £59m exit clause, Varandas has firmly denied any such agreement, emphasizing that Gyokeres will not leave for less than his €100m release clause.

The Transfer Saga

Viktor Gyokeres, the 27-year-old Swedish international, has been a revelation since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City. With 97 goals in 102 matches over two seasons in Portugal, he has attracted significant interest from top clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal. However, Varandas has made it clear that no formal offers have been received for the striker, neither this summer nor last season.

The Release Clause Controversy

Reports had suggested that Gyokeres and Sporting CP had agreed to a €70m (£59m) exit clause this summer, but Varandas has refuted these claims. He stated, "I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m because I never promised that." The president also highlighted that the club's only assurance to Gyokeres was that they would not demand the full €100m release clause.

The Agent's Role

During negotiations last summer, Gyokeres' agent sought assurances about the striker's future, particularly regarding the release clause. Varandas revealed, "One of the agent's biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause. He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now."

Future Prospects

Varandas emphasized the unpredictability of the transfer market, stating, "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 €40m, €60m, or €80m. What I can guarantee is that I will not demand €100 million." This statement leaves the door open for future negotiations, but only if the right offer comes along.

Conclusion

As the summer transfer window progresses, the future of Viktor Gyokeres remains uncertain. While Sporting CP is keen to retain their star player, the allure of the Premier League could prove too strong to resist. For now, Gyokeres remains a key figure for Sporting, and any potential move will require a significant offer to trigger his release clause.