Behind the scenes of the 45 days of a soap opera called Gyökeres

The weeks passed, and everything happened. Strike threats, several clubs were making noise, doubts about alleged written agreements that were actually promises made in meetings, public statements positioning the parties, a wealth of information passed behind the scenes to "defend" one side or the other. In the end, everything returned to where it had always been: Viktor Gyökeres was going to be sold by Sporting, Arsenal was the club best placed to secure the Swede, and all that was missing was an agreement between the parties for the forward's transfer from Portugal to the Premier League. The ordeal was long, and the negotiations even longer, but with the presentation of a fourth offer by London officials, everything was finally settled.

Gyökeres arrived at Alvalade after a long courtship between Sporting and the player, representatives, and Coventry, with the Lions beating several clubs, especially English ones, who had approached the Championship side that summer. Now it's time for him to return to England through the front door, to a club whose goal is to win every competition it competes in. The Swede was the Alvalade side's most expensive signing ever, at a total of €20 million plus €4 million for objectives achieved (plus 10% of future capital gains). He also leaves as Sporting's highest-paid transfer, after two seasons in which he was the team's and the Championship's top scorer, winning two league titles and a cup, and earning the 2024 top scorer award.

Sporting's desire for the minimum bar set prevailed. After an initial offer of €55 million plus €10 million in variables, the second proposal put on the table was €65 million fixed plus €15 million in variables. It came close, but never quite arrived. Sporting SAD, in this case with Frederico Varandas having the final say in negotiations led by general director Bernardo Palmeiro, refused to compromise on a final overall deal value of €80 million, something achieved through avenues that had never been explored by either club until midway through the negotiations. Meanwhile, with a contract already signed with the Gunners , Gyökeres forfeited two million euros of the agreed-upon deal, which ran until June 2030, and went on "vacation" without reporting.

Previously, without any real talk of ups and downs, the relationship between Sporting and the player deteriorated significantly due to the clash between Sporting's SAD and the Swede's representative, Hasan Cetinkaya. And it all started with a point that was never acknowledged by either party… because it wasn't written down: the agent guaranteed that Sporting had previously promised that Gyökeres could leave for 60 million euros plus a target-related fee (in this case, 10 million), while Sporting maintained that it only told the agent that it wouldn't ask for the 100 million euro clause. Despite attempts to explain to the forward, and only to the forward, what had been said in that meeting, the Swede never let his guard down and followed his agent's lead – something that had also happened two years earlier, when Cetinkaya told Gyökeres that Sporting was the best option.

"The process began last year, when the season ended. Sporting won the championship and had a fantastic season. During the transfer window, we realized that Viktor would stay at Sporting because we didn't receive a single offer for him. When the season started, the agent approached Hugo Viana several times, asking if we could add an extra bonus to his contract if he scored x number of goals, and I gave [Hugo] Viana the opportunity to negotiate, within reason. Viana manages the relationship with the agents, and very well; this is done by the sporting director. One of the agent's biggest concerns was whether we would demand the 100 million release clause next year. Viana negotiated with the agents over several meetings, until the agent himself requested the president's presence to finalize the matter. The issue of bonuses for x number of goals seemed reasonable, and at that meeting, which included the president, the agent, and Viana, no players were present. The agent wanted to guarantee certain things," Frederico Varandas began by explaining on June 11.

"It was agreed that Sporting wouldn't demand the release clause at the end of the following season, especially since he was turning 27. Then, we knew Viktor's dream of going to a club where he could compete for the Champions League, and we have common sense. We guaranteed we wouldn't demand 100 million. In that meeting, the agent wanted to anchor the exit to a certain amount, he mentioned 60 million, 70 million... And I said, 'There's no point in setting a price because I don't know what will happen in a year, if he gets injured, if he has a disappointing season... There's no point in setting a price, I don't know if it will be 40, 60, or 80. What I can guarantee is that I won't demand 100 million.' From that point on, I never spoke to the agent again, never spoke to the player about departures and fees. Ten months went by, and I see the agent in the press spouting information here and there. The Sporting president said the club wouldn't demand the clause and that we would... adjust the value to Viktor's performance, who was one of the best players to ever step onto the pitch in Portugal,” highlighted the Sporting leader.

"One thing they should know is that I'm better. Threats, blackmail, and insults don't work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres won't leave for 60 million plus 10 million because I never promised. This game the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. Are there any offers? To date, Sporting hasn't received an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season," assured Frederico Varandas.

Later, after Arsenal's initial offer was lower than what Sporting's president had promised he wouldn't accept, the Lions again took a public stance. Reports had already emerged of alleged interest from Atlético Madrid and Juventus in signing the forward, with the Londoners being the only ones to begin negotiations with the green and white club. Al Hilal appeared to be a losing proposition given the player's refusal to move to Saudi Arabia. Varandas once again set a minimum price, while also placing the onus on the Swede's agent and his ability to come up with offers that could lead to his summer exit (while there was also talk of Jorge Mendes's possible appearance mid-film as a potential unblocking factor that could finally resolve the issue).

"First, Sporting is calm about this matter. Second, Sporting doesn't need to sell Viktor Gyökeres. Fortunately, we've already passed the stage of selling our main asset. Even so, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams, or those of any other athlete. Sporting has a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, they won't ask for the value of the clause; they will be reasonable regarding Viktor's request. There's a strong possibility he'll leave. We've been paying close attention these past few weeks. I saw a player, Zubimendi, who's six months younger than Viktor, leave for 65 million. I saw Matheus Cunha go to Manchester United for around 75 million. We're talking about 26-year-old players. I believe Viktor can leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don't believe, because he's one of the best footballers in the world," he said on June 29th.

"I'm not going to say what the value is; the player knows it. I can say that Viktor won't leave for 60 million plus ten million. He won't leave, absolutely not. Viktor knows, his agent knows too. What I want Sporting fans to know is that they can enjoy the summer, and be at peace because there are only two scenarios: first, a club respects Viktor's fair market value—not the termination fee, Sporting gives in on that—and from that moment on, we'll be fully prepared to attack the target. In a second scenario, that club doesn't want Viktor, Viktor doesn't want any other project, he has a three-year contract and stays at Sporting. We'll be very, very happy. Not showing up? I've been at Sporting for 20 years, I've been through a lot of transfer drama; this is a soap opera. The closing of the market is a cure-all, so disgruntled players aren't a problem at this stage. Viktor staying, he has a three-year contract, we'll be very happy," he added. Frederico Varandas at this moment.

With each public appearance, news reports emerged revealing the player's displeasure, even contacting the Sporting president to express this condition in the face of the club's "intransigence" – something that did happen, but only at a much later stage in the process, at the end of June. There was a tug-of-war between the two parties, and both sides acknowledged it. From the green and white perspective, there was a desire not to force payment of the €100 million release clause but also to secure the highest possible return, given the market movements of recent weeks and the prices charged thus far (higher in the Premier League than in 2024/25). The player's side was eager to secure an agreement with Arsenal as quickly as possible without breaking the bank, also considering the potential for Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins to strengthen the attack. After the first weekend of July, the gap was only €5 million.

Beforehand, there was also a kind of "pre-warning." Gyökeres, who was only allowed to return on the 12th and not on the 7th as initially planned, gave an interview to France Football that was only published in full on the 12th, talking only about Ruben Amorim's situation in the highlights that were released without any reference to what was happening between Sporting and Arsenal. "We won two consecutive Championships for the first time in 71 years. It's an incredible feat, and of course, Ruben Amorim played a fundamental role in that. I can never thank him enough. The style of play we had suited me perfectly. His departure was a shock. I've never seen a coach leave mid-season when everything was going well. It was surprising, but I understand his decision, and the team didn't hold any grudges against him. We all understood the decision. We moved forward and still managed to win the title. I arrived at Sporting, and it was incredible from the start. I made a lot of progress here with this team. We have many wonderful memories," he said in that part of the interview.

When the full report was released, the publication stated that the interview had been conducted on May 22nd, after the Championship win but before the Portuguese Cup. However, it left a note: some questions, particularly about the future, arose only in the final days before publication. "Premier League? It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I was there for several years without being able to play a single game. So, of course, it's something I'd like to do. It would be great revenge. Leaving? It could happen. It's football, you never know. I'm not thinking about it; we'll see what happens. If something has to happen, it will. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me," he noted, in a much more "moderate" speech, on the advice of his agent, who knew that a different tone of response could further complicate the situation.

"The secret was to get back to playing like I did when I was a kid. When we're young, we don't worry about the details; we just want to play football and have fun. At the beginning of my career, my mind was wandering. By stopping thinking too much on the pitch, I became more direct and instinctive. The obsession with scoring, which I always had, became the essence of my game again. Sporting? I owe them a lot. We won trophies, and I evolved a lot with the team. Together, we created extraordinary memories. Of course, Ruben Amorim also played a big part in that. He was the one who brought me here, and his style of play suited me perfectly. I can't thank him enough," he said, praising the League.

"When something unusual happens, people try to find an explanation. Because I play for the best team in the league, or the level in Portugal isn't good enough... It's just people's opinion, I don't care. I know what I achieved here and I've always given my best. The Portuguese league is very good, with highly skilled players. It may not be as physical as the English league, but the level is very good," Gyökeres emphasized. With an important point: the interview was released on the 12th, when he was supposed to report to Alvalade (he had an extra day duly arranged with the green and white team's management) so that, if that were the case, he could go to the Lions' training camp in the Algarve, something that didn't happen. From then on, he was "missing." And Frederico Varandas, once again, took the opportunity to refocus Sporting on the deal, something he initially failed to do when reports surfaced about messages sent by Viktor Gyökeres threatening not to return to Lisbon (something that only happened at the end of June and never before).

"We're calm. Everything can be resolved with the closing of the market, a heavy fine, and an apology to the group. If they don't want to pay Viktor's fair market value, we're perfectly comfortable with that for the next three years. If the geniuses outlining this strategy think this puts pressure on me to facilitate his departure, they're not only completely wrong but are also making the player's exit conditions even more complicated. No one is above the club's interests. Whoever they are," he told Lusa, in what would be the last public step before the final agreement is finalized.

The possibility of paying a fixed €70 million plus €10 million for objectives was even on the table, partly due to Arsenal's need to quickly resolve the issue, which was also a prerequisite for the striker to avoid defaulting on his contract with the Lions. However, given the intransigence coming from Alvalade, the solution ultimately turned out to be another one, also involving the Swede's agent: the Londoners' offer was now €63.5 million plus €10 million in variables, but Hasan Cetinkaya waived the 10% he was entitled to for intermediation – which in practice would have resulted in almost the same amount for the Lions, who, if they received €70 million, would have to pay 10% for intermediation. In other words, and in practical terms, Sporting would even receive 500 thousand euros more than in the 70 million version with 10% commission and would see the amount to be paid to Coventry, which was entitled to 10% of the player's added value, fall (3.95 million, 10% of 39.5 million).

Given this scenario, only two details remained to be determined. The first concerned the ten million euros of variable amounts covered by the deal, with Arsenal offering a 50% easier return on games and goals than would have been achieved in the first season, and Sporting aiming to raise that percentage to 75% by the end of the 2025/26 season. The second concerned factoring and the respective payment of this mechanism so that the Lions could receive the entire fixed amount of the deal in two years, not four. After the initial meeting in Menorca between Andrea Berta, the Gunners ' sporting director, and Bernardo Palmeiro, the Lions' general director, the proposal was drawn up in London and sent to Alvalade without the physical presence of Viktor Gyökeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, who met the player in Mallorca, where he stayed for a few days after his visit to Greece.

During the weekend of July 12th and 13th, specifically on Sunday, two calls outlined what appeared to be the final chapter of the saga. However, there was still more to be written, with some media outlets even writing that everything was at risk of collapse. It wasn't. But, at the same time, the idea of reaching a dead end made sense. Why? Arsenal presented an offer in which only three of the ten million in variables were easily obtainable, which not only led to the rejection of the third offer but also caused discomfort at Sporting SAD. For several days last week, there was no communication between the parties, and it was no coincidence that the Lions sent a new letter to Gyökeres asking him to report for work.

As Observador reported this week, Arsenal were aware that they would have to submit a fourth and decisive offer, but it was taking a long time to arrive at Alvalade. In fact, it took so many days to arrive that rumors began circulating on Sunday that Manchester United had jumped to the front of the race, willing to pay as much or more than Arsenal for the striker in an attempt to turn the tables by introducing a third party. It's true that the Red Devils , under the influence of Ruben Amorim, never stopped dreaming about the possibility of having the number 9, but Viktor Gyökeres was always adamant about the only option he would accept (particularly because he already had an agreement with the London club). What's more, Mikel Arteta was pressuring sporting director Andrea Berta to "close" on the striker.

The first signs of "white smoke" emerged on Tuesday afternoon. Arsenal put together a proposal that met all of Sporting's requirements, with the caveat that the ten million euros in variable payments were "easy" to obtain but spread out over a longer period of time. Some people close to the club and the agent were hinting that everything was finally finalized, but the fourth offer would only arrive that evening, with the Lions receiving a favorable opinion this Thursday. Two days after the first game of the Asian tour in Singapore against AC Milan, and after images of Gyökeres wearing the English runner-up's number 14 jersey had already circulated, the deal was officially announced. Previously, the Swede had left Spain and was already in London with his agent, where he signed and was presented before heading to Asia.

In terms of treasury, these variable ten million will be reached over four years, with higher proportions initially. As Observador confirmed, the expectation is to receive a total of 4.5 million in 2025/26 (2.5 million from two tranches of 20 games played over 45 minutes, one million in two tranches for participation in 20-goal streaks between goals and assists, and one million for Arsenal's qualification for the Champions League), plus 3.5 million in 2026/27 (2.5 million for the remaining two tranches of 20 games played over 45 minutes and one million for Arsenal's qualification for the Champions League). The remaining two million, in 2027/28 and 2028/29, will be for Champions League qualification.

What happened behind the scenes in the final days? Sporting didn't like the photos of the player on vacation, under disciplinary control after refusing to return to training in Portugal for the second time. They also disliked the way he seemed adamant about listening to any offer other than Arsenal's. This time, Varandas preferred not to publicly intervene, simply waiting for the final documents to be exchanged between the clubs. In the meantime, and before the official announcement of the agreement, Sporting made one final request, this time to the player directly: that he forgo his July salary, considering he hadn't shown up for a single day. Gyökeres agreed, the accounts were settled, and he received the bonuses negotiated with his agent last summer in terms of athletic performance in what was the best season of his career. There was only one thing that became truly "impossible."

With the transfer confirmed, where it had always been in the works (even when there was still no official offer on the table), Sporting had only one objective, which was internally assumed but turned out to be a "defeat": to ensure the forward would have a "clean" exit as far as possible, as one of the best players in the club's history and the greatest figure of the century, comparable only to Jardel's impact in 2001/02. After a 2023/24 season with 43 goals in 50 official matches, the Swede managed to surpass that mark and reach 54 goals in 52 matches, winning two league titles and a Portuguese Cup, among three more final losses (Portuguese Cup, League Cup, and Super Cup). Now, at Arsenal, the objectives are also clear: win the Premier League, which has eluded the Gunners for over 20 years, become the league's top scorer, and try to go as far as possible in the Champions League.

One of the main rivals, besides champions Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, will now be Ruben Amorim's Manchester United, the coach whom the agent had recognized as the key player in deciding Coventry's transfer to Sporting. "Many people keep asking me why I brought Viktor to Sporting. He came for one reason: I only brought Gyökeres to Sporting because of Rúben Amorim. And I told the manager this when I first saw him, before saying hello. I know his philosophy and how he could take Viktor to another level. That was more important to me than taking him to the Premier League and making more money. Eight Premier League clubs made offers to Coventry and me, all of which guaranteed more money, higher commissions, and a higher transfer fee than Sporting, and Viktor also spoke to five other coaches on the phone. There are many clubs that want to buy him, but we have to respect Sporting," Hasan Cetinkaya, the player's agent, admitted in April 2024.

????????? EXCLUSIVE: Viktor Gyökeres and his agent Hasan Cetinkaya on their way to London now! ❤️????

Gyökeres, set for Arsenal medical as he only wanted to join them.

Here with Cetinkaya, key to waive his commission to help his client to sign for the club he wanted.

✈️???????? pic.twitter.com/y72okHUCkc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025

Sporting's attention now turns to Viktor Gyökeres' successor. Unlike the last transfer window, where Ioannidis was the Lions' main target until they moved forward with Plan B with Conrad Harder, the attention of the Sporting scouting department, in line with Rui Borges' vision for the team, focused on a profile like Colombian Luis Suárez, from Almería. The 27-year-old international, who played for Watford and Marseille, among others, had more suitors than the Spanish club, but the Lions always had the upper hand in closing a deal that saw two offers rejected: €18 million with four variables and €20 million with five variables – the third time was the charm, with the five variables being easier to obtain.

After selecting their new No. 9 , Sporting is now looking at two more positions, starting with the left wing (right-footed), where Pedro Gonçalves is now the only option. Names like Jota Silva (Nottingham Forest), Tzolis (Club Brugge), Mika Godts (Ajax), Samuel Lino (Atl. Madrid), and Abde Ezzalzouli (Betis) have already been considered but are part of a wider range of options in more "accessible" markets financially. At the same time, Sporting is also looking for a right-back, with Greek Georgios Vagiannidis leading the charge, after Juventus' Alberto Costa was shunted off by FC Porto in a deal that used João Mário as a "bargaining chip" to mitigate the impact of the entire investment. The arrival of another midfielder should not be overlooked, given that Morita's future remains uncertain with 12 months remaining on his contract. Not even the strong commitment of rivals Benfica and FC Porto changes what was planned by the two-time national champions for the new 2025/26 season.