According to a report by O Jogo (via Tribal Football), Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr will challenge multiple Premier League clubs for the services of Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting CP star is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe currently.
Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific strikers in world football since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City last summer. In 66 games for the Portuguese side, he has scored an impressive 63 goals and created 19 more.
The 26-year-old’s impressive form has put him on the radar of several top clubs in Europe with multiple interest coming from the Premier League. Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United have all been linked to the Sweden international.
Gyokeres is also attracting interest from the Middle East with Al-Nassr now joining the race for his signature as per the abovementioned source. The Knights of Najd has reportedly made the Swedish forward one of their primary targets in next summer’s transfer window.
Sporting CP’s high valuation of their star player could create challenges for clubs looking to sign him. He is believed to have a release clause set at €100 million, and potential suitors will hope that the club is willing to reduce their asking price.
Cristiano Ronaldo notably began his career at Sporting CP. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Gyokeres would fancy a move to Saudi Arabia to play alongside the Portuguese icon or stay put in Europe.
Former Sporting CP coach reportedly threatened to leave if the club re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim reportedly frowned on having Cristiano Ronaldo at the Portuguese club back in 2022. The Portuguese tactician was recently appointed as Manchester United’s head coach.
Ronaldo was linked with a return to boyhood club Sporting CP after his departure from Manchester United in 2002. The Al-Nassr ace fell out with Erik ten Hag and his contract was terminated making him a free agent.
According to The Times, Amorim threatened to leave Sporting CP if they re-signed his fellow countryman. A post by the above source in 2022 read:
“Ruben Amorim has intimated that he might walk out on his contract were Ronaldo signed.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Amorim shared the stage eight times for Portugal together. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner became the first Portuguese to sign for Manchester United in 2003. The latter, meanwhile recently signed with the Red Devils until June 2027, and is set to take over managerial duties at the club from November 11.