“I Have Agreed to Join Manchester United Since Ruben Amorim Has Promised to Sell That Guy, He Was the Reason I Refused to Join in January”: Man United’s Top Transfer Target Viktor Gyökeres Reveals Why He Snubbed Man United’s Transfer in January

Manchester United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres has taken a dramatic turn, with the Swedish striker finally shedding light on why he rejected the club’s offer in the January transfer window. In an explosive revelation, Gyökeres confirmed that his hesitation was not due to financial reasons or doubts about the project at Old Trafford but rather an internal issue at Sporting CP.

“I have agreed to join Manchester United since Ruben Amorim has promised to sell that guy,” Gyökeres told reporters. “He was the reason I refused to join in January.”

The identity of the unnamed player remains a mystery, but speculation suggests that he could be referring to Sporting’s veteran striker Paulinho. Sources close to the club indicate that tensions between the two forwards had been building for months, with Gyökeres frustrated by Paulinho’s presence in the squad. Despite his impressive performances, Gyökeres reportedly felt that his role was being undermined by the Portuguese striker’s continued involvement in the team.

At Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has been desperate to add a prolific goalscorer to his squad after a lackluster season in front of goal. With Rasmus Højlund still developing and Anthony Martial’s future uncertain, the club identified Gyökeres as their primary target. However, when negotiations reached an advanced stage in January, the Swedish international shockingly pulled out of the deal.

Many had assumed Gyökeres’ rejection was due to Sporting’s high asking price or concerns over United’s turbulent season. However, his latest comments suggest that his reluctance was entirely linked to unresolved issues at Sporting. With Ruben Amorim now promising to offload the player in question, the pathway for Gyökeres’ arrival at Old Trafford appears to be clear.

The 25-year-old striker has been a revelation in Portugal, scoring goals for fun since his move from Coventry City. His physicality, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing make him an ideal fit for Ten Hag’s system. United fans have long been eager to see him lead the line, and now, they may finally get their wish.

But why was Gyökeres so insistent on Paulinho—or whoever “that guy” is—leaving before he agreed to a move? Reports suggest that there was a power struggle within the Sporting dressing room, with Gyökeres believing that his presence was not fully appreciated by certain senior figures. Amorim’s decision to back him in this situation could be a sign of the manager’s commitment to a new tactical approach, possibly built around Gyökeres as the undisputed focal point of the attack.

For United, this could be the signing that transforms their frontline. Gyökeres has proven himself capable of scoring against top opposition, and his relentless work rate aligns with Ten Hag’s philosophy. The Dutch manager has been clear in his demands for a dominant striker, and Gyökeres fits the bill perfectly.

As negotiations between United and Sporting continue, there is growing confidence that a deal will be struck before the summer transfer window officially opens. The Portuguese club has reportedly set a price tag of around €85 million, a figure that United could meet if they offload some fringe players. With Gyökeres already giving his word that he wants the move, the final obstacle remains the two clubs agreeing on financial terms.

Despite his controversial statements, Gyökeres has remained professional on the pitch, continuing to deliver standout performances for Sporting. However, with the summer window fast approaching, it is clear that his heart is now set on a move to England.

United fans, who were left disappointed by his January snub, will now be eager to welcome him with open arms. His physical presence and goal-scoring ability could provide the firepower needed to challenge for silverware next season. The partnership between Gyökeres and Højlund could also be a fascinating one, potentially giving United a dynamic strike duo capable of tormenting Premier League defenses.

But questions remain—will Gyökeres be able to handle the pressure of playing at Old Trafford? Many strikers have arrived with high expectations, only to struggle under the weight of the famous red shirt. While his record in Portugal is impressive, the Premier League presents a different challenge, one that only the most elite forwards can conquer.

Another concern is how his arrival could impact the dynamics of the current squad. If Gyökeres was unwilling to share the spotlight at Sporting, how will he adapt to playing alongside a developing talent like Højlund? Will Ten Hag be able to find the right balance to maximize both strikers’ potential?

Whatever happens, one thing is certain—Gyökeres’ move to Manchester United is no longer a matter of “if” but “when.” His latest revelation has all but confirmed his intention to join the Red Devils, setting the stage for what could be one of the most significant transfers of the summer window.

With Ruben Amorim seemingly clearing the way for his exit, United must now ensure that they finalize the deal quickly to avoid any last-minute complications. Fans will be watching closely as the saga unfolds, hoping that their long-awaited striker finally arrives at Old Trafford.

As Gyökeres prepares for the next chapter of his career, Sporting supporters will be left wondering what could have been. The striker has been a key part of their recent success, but his decision to speak out so publicly suggests that his relationship with the club is nearing its breaking point.

For United, this is an opportunity they cannot afford to miss. If Gyökeres lives up to his potential, he could be the missing piece in their attack, finally solving the goal-scoring issues that have plagued them in recent seasons. The pressure is now on the club’s hierarchy to get the deal over the line—and if they do, Old Trafford could soon be celebrating the arrival of a true goal machine.