The Transfers Podcast: Gyokeres UNCONVINCED by Man Utd, Amorim coaching REVELATION revealed

Cameron Smith

15 Nov 2024 16:30 GMT
5 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, The Transfers Podcast — © IMAGO

The Transfers Podcast, powered by FootballTransfers.com and hosted by Duncan Castles, brings you the latest news and insight from the world of football.

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Here is a detailed look at the key headlines discussed in this week’s episode with Sergio Krithinas, the Executive Director of Portuguese Newspaper Record.

Viktor Gyokeres unconvinced by Man Utd

Following the appointment of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have been heavily linked with a number of Sporting CP stars, most notably Viktor Gyokeres.

However, the Sweden international isn’t yet convinced that a move to Old Trafford would be the correct one, according to Krithinas.

“I think Amorim would definitely like to have Gyokeres on his team, but I think Gyokeres is not very keen on Man Utd,” Krithinas told The Transfers Podcast.

“The only reason, from what I know, that Gyokeres would go to Man Utd would be because of Amorim. He loves Amorim, he knows how to get the best out of him, but Gyokeres isn’t very keen on Man Utd because all the top clubs in Europe are watching him.

© IMAGO - Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with Man Utd

“So I think Gyokeres would be happier overall in a different place… [and] from what I know, there's a gentleman’s agreement between Sporting and the player to release him for around €80 million.”

Why Ruben Amorim accepted Man Utd offer

This summer, before agreeing to become the new Man Utd head coach, Amorim was reportedly approached by West Ham United, while Liverpool were also touted as potential suitors before the appointment of Arne Slot.

However, Krithinas has revealed why he believes Amorim chose to secure an Old Trafford switch.

“It was a strange decision,” he admitted. “I think he [Amorim] felt that this was the only chance he had to grab the opportunity of taking the Man Utd job.

“From what I know, Amorim doesn’t want to extend his coaching career too much. He doesn't want to be coaching in his 60s.

“I think he wants to do it for another 10 or 15 years and he probably felt that he had one opportunity to do it. And this is the opportunity he was waiting for.”

Harry Maguire career resurrection?

Harry Maguire is widely expected to leave Man Utd in 2025, but he has been tipped as a player who could thrive under Amorim, despite the Portuguese tactician’s usual desire for centre-backs with pace.

Current ETV

Harry Maguire

D (C)

Man Utd

Harry Maguire

D (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€4.2M - €6.9M

“Harry Maguire is a good example,” Krithinas said. “At Sporting he had Sebastian Coates until the summer [and] he is a very tall and big centre back. As a profile, a physical profile, he is not very different from Harry Maguire.

“Coates was the team captain for Amorim and a crucial player for him. Not a very fast defender, but he was really, really intelligent with his positioning, he led the team, he defined the offside and line and the kind of player who would not be under pressure with the ball.

“I think that maybe Harry Maguire, if he understands the game the way Amorim wants him to, could be that man in the middle of the back three.”

Other News

The Transfers Podcast also covered the following news this week:

Man City's long courtship of Hugo Viana

Is Ruben Amorim the new Jose Mourinho?

What next for Casemiro and Marcus Rashford?

Stay tuned to the Transfers Podcast for more in-depth analysis, and follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates in the world of football.