Gyokeres release clause bombshell

Robin Bairner

• 21 Sept 2024 21:50 BST
• 3 min read

Surprising news regarding Viktor Gyokeres’ release clause with Sporting CP could go a long way to dictating the January transfer window of both Arsenal and Chelsea.

The two Premier League giants are hot on the heels of Gyokeres, who has been one of the most prolific players in Europe early in the season. The Sweden international has scored nine goals in seven games for his club, laying on three assists in the process.

Such form has seen the 26-year-old becoming increasingly linked with a sensation move, particularly after he expressed frustration that Sporting were demanding the full €100 million value of his release clause when they were approached by Arsenal in the summer.

EXCLUSIVE: Sporting open to sell 'disappointed' Gyokeres

A Bola (via Bola na Rede) has now dropped bombshell news about that release clause.

It claims that Gyokeres’ release fee will not be active during the January transfer window, meaning that Sporting will be free to demand whatever they want for the player.

On the plus side for Arsenal and Chelsea, they have been told that if they were to bid €100m the offer would likely be too tempting for the Portuguese giants to turn down.

READ MORE: The Viktor Gyokeres stat NO ONE is talking about

What is Gyokeres’ worth?

It is doubtful that either Arsenal or Chelsea would pay such a fee for Gyokeres.

The Swede’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sits at €25.6m, and even if this is liable to take a jump after he scored in the Champions League against Lille this week, a nine-figure price tag appears excessive for a player who has not played in an elite league and is at his peak age.

Swedish TV pundit Glenn Stromberg has said that Sporting’s ability to land a big fee for Gyokeres depends on his ability to shine in Europe.

“I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s a sum that only the big clubs in the big European leagues can afford,” he told O Jogo when asked if a €100m fee is possible.

“For those who don’t play in the main leagues, European competitions, especially the Champions League, are an opportunity to compete at a higher level, facing teams and players of a higher level. Scouts and coaches tend to value individual performances more in these competitions.

“It could be a way to dispel doubts about Gyokeres’ value and for him to show that he is not only capable of scoring goals in Portugal but also in a stronger competition.”