Viktor Gyokeres transfer: Brighton flop to Europe's hot property

"I don't think he's the guy," Rio Ferdinand says of Viktor Gyokeres.

"I've watched him probably three times really, really closely. And three times I've gone: 'He ain't getting that opportunity in the Prem'."

Gyokeres has scored a phenomenal 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, also contributing 26 assists for the Lisbon outfit.

The Sweden forward averaged more than a goal per game in the season just gone, with 54 in 52 appearances.

Yet former Manchester United captain Ferdinand is not convinced Gyokeres, who has been strongly linked with the Red Devils, is a good fit for his old club.

Top clubs, however, are circling for the former Brighton player after an outstanding couple of seasons with Sporting, where he played under United boss Ruben Amorim.

Sporting club president Frederico Varandas says they have not received an offer for the striker and they are also not prepared to let him leave for a rumoured 'gentleman's agreement' of £59m.

In addition to his 39 goals in Portugal's Primeira Liga in 2024-25, Gyokeres helped himself to another six in the Champions League - including a hat-trick against Manchester City.

However, doubts remain over Gyokeres' ability to transfer his prolific form in Portugal to the Premier League.

Six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand, speaking on his own podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, asks: "Is there enough - after he's physically matched - to get him a goal?"

Gyokeres has gone from leaving Brighton without playing a single minute of Premier League football to becoming one of Europe's most prolific marksmen - via loan spells in the Championship at Swansea and Coventry, and in Germany with St Pauli.

Arsenal, who are seeking a clinical finisher to end a five-year wait for a major trophy, have also been linked along with Juventus and Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

So how has Gyokeres established himself as one of this summer's hottest transfer targets after leaving Brighton, aged 23, without making a Premier League appearance?

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