Swedish international forward Viktor Gyökeres finds himself formally under disciplinary action at Sporting CP. The club`s decision comes after the prolific striker failed to report on the designated date to the Alcochete training facility, subsequently missing the team`s departure for their pre-season training camp.
Sporting CP President Frederico Varandas confirmed the disciplinary measures to the Lusa news agency, addressing the situation surrounding the player who has been at the center of intense transfer speculation, with English club Arsenal frequently mentioned as a potential suitor.
Varandas adopted a distinctly calm, yet firm, tone when discussing the unexpected absence. He conveyed confidence that the situation would be resolved, but not without consequences. “We are calm. Everything will be resolved with the market closing, a heavy fine, and an apology to the group,” the president stated, outlining the expected path forward from the club`s perspective.
Gyökeres was the top scorer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for the past two seasons, making him a prized asset for the reigning champions. His performance has inevitably attracted significant interest. However, Varandas made it clear that any potential departure must align with the club`s valuation.
“If they don`t want to pay the fair market value for Viktor [Gyökeres], we are very comfortable with that for the next three years,” Varandas asserted. This stance reinforces Sporting`s position of strength, backed by the player`s contract which runs until 2027/28 and includes a €100 million release clause. Gyökeres joined Sporting at the start of the 2023/24 season from Coventry City for an initial fee reported to be around €20 million.
The Sporting president delivered a pointed message to those attempting to leverage the player`s absence as a negotiation tactic. “If the geniuses who are outlining this strategy think this pressures me to facilitate the exit, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making the player`s exit conditions more complicated,” Varandas declared, adding the emphatic principle guiding the club`s position: “Nobody is above the interests of the club. No matter who he is.” It seems the `strategic masterminds` might need to rethink their playbook when dealing with the Green and Whites.
While the transfer saga unfolds, the rest of the Sporting squad has proceeded with pre-season preparations. The team traveled to Lagos for their training camp, scheduled to run until July 22nd. Coach Rui Borges will oversee friendly matches against Celtic and Sunderland during this period. The official team presentation to supporters, the Troféu Cinco Violinos, is set against Villarreal on July 25th at Estádio Nacional, with the season`s first competitive match, the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira against rivals Benfica, scheduled for July 31st at Estádio Algarve.
For now, the focus remains on Gyökeres` status. Sporting CP has drawn a line in the sand, prioritizing institutional stability and financial prudence over player demands or external pressure. The summer transfer window continues to provide drama, and it remains to be seen whether the star striker will ultimately rejoin his teammates, potentially lighter by a “heavy fine,” or whether a suitor will meet Sporting`s valuation before the window slams shut.
