Amorim finds UNEXPECTED use for Man Utd flop Zirkzee in Gyokeres deal

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 15 Nov 2024 12:22 GMT
• 9 min read

Manchester United are ready to use Joshua Zirkzee as a makeweight in a deal to bring striking sensation Viktor Gyokeres to the club.

Numerous major sides are currently tracking Sporting CP’s Gyokeres, with Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG the clubs most frequently associated with the Sweden international forward.

But Man Utd are ready to enter the running as new manager Ruben Amorim eyes a switch for a player he brought to life in Lisbon.

STATS

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

All Tournaments

2024/25

• 18

  Games

• 23

  Goals

• 4

  Assists

View all stats

Gyokeres has scored 23 goals in 18 appearances for the club this season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

There was previously interest in the summer transfer window, most notably from Arsenal. When faced with the prospect of stumping up the player’s €100 million release clause, the Gunners opted to bide their time.

Even with Sporting reportedly willing to accept a bid of around the €70m mark, Gyokeres looks a pricey addition and United are seeking to reduce that figure in order to make a deal happen.

Zirkzee: The makeweight in Gyokeres deal?

Amorim’s new club plan, therefore, to use Zirkzee in a part-exchange deal with Sporting, according to CaughtOffside.

The Netherlands international striker, who scored on debut for Man Utd but has failed to net in the Premier League since, has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €38.7 million, which suggests that he could knock Gyokeres’ revised price in half.

Given that United paid Bologna €42.5m for the striker, they may be willing to reluctantly take a small loss on the 23-year-old.

What Sporting think of the deal, however, is a very different matter.

Zirkzee and Gyokeres fill very different functions in attack, with the former typically playing in a slightly more withdrawn role. The Swede, meanwhile, is more of a pure goal scorer, so whether Zirkzee is even a player Sporting would want is doubtful.

Gyokeres vs Zirkzee: Style comparison in 2023/24 (SciSports)

Gyokees to United: A perfect fit?

Viktor Gyokeres has been a revelation since joining Sporting CP, quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s most clinical finishers. For Manchester United, his arrival would inject much-needed firepower into their frontline, especially as they struggle for consistency in front of goal this season.

United fans may also see the move as a statement of intent, with Amorim targeting a player he knows well from his time at Sporting.

Whether the inclusion of Zirkzee will sweeten the deal enough for Sporting to accept remains to be seen.

Key highlights

• Viktor Gyokeres' form: Sporting striker has 23 goals in 18 matches, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.
• Man Utd's strategy: Offering Joshua Zirkzee in a part-exchange deal to lower the €70m fee.
• Sporting's stance: Questions over whether Zirkzee fits their tactical needs.
• Transfer outlook: Gyokeres could add firepower to United's attack.