To sign Viktor Gyökeres, Atletico Madrid is stepping up their efforts

  

Viktor Gyökeres

Who Is Viktor Gyökeres?

Spanish giants Atlético Madrid are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres, the prolific 26-year-old striker who led Sporting Lisbon to the Primeira Liga title last season. Gyökeres was one of Europe’s most in-form forwards in 2024/25 – he scored 39 goals in 33 league games (plus six in Europe) – and multiple clubs are circling. According to Portuguese reports, Atlético “has taken giant steps” toward securing Gyökeres’ signing. Sporting set a hefty €100 million release clause on Gyökeres, but sources suggest they would listen to offers in the €65–75 million range. Below, we break down the latest on this rumor: his background, why Atlético wants him, and what comes next.

Scoring Phenomenon in Lisbon

Viktor Gyökeres is a 26-year-old Swedish centre-forward who has exploded onto the scene at Sporting CP. He arrived in Portugal in 2022 for around €24 million and quickly shattered club records – in just two seasons he amassed 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 games across all competitions. Last season he won the league Golden Boot with 39 goals in 33 matches, carrying Sporting to back-to-back titles. Reports that Gyökeres’ scoring exploits have made him “one of the hottest prospects in European soccer for a big money move” this summer are widespread. In fact, Arsenal are “considering making a move” for him. Spanish and Portuguese sources say Atlético has now entered the race, seeing Gyökeres as a key target to bolster their attack.

Key Figures Behind the Rumour:

Outstanding Stats: 39 goals in 33 league games (2024/25) and a total of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting.

Release Clause: Sporting set a €100 million clause, but reports say a deal could be struck for around €65–75 million.


Top Interest: Arsenal led the chase, but Atlético and Napoli are now also firmly linked, complicating the transfer battle.

Atlético’s Negotiation Stance

Why is Atlético so keen? Under Diego Simeone, Atlético has prioritized adding firepower to compete in both La Liga and the Champions League. The club already invested heavily in attack last season – signing Julián Álvarez for €75 million and Alexander Sørloth for €42 million – and now sees Gyökeres as a “total bet to build an elite offensive.”

Gyökeres’ size, finishing ability and relentless work-rate make him a classic No. 9 who would fit neatly into Simeone’s counter-pressing system. But Atlético also remains mindful of Financial Fair Play. They’ve indicated willingness to negotiate up to a mid-€60 million offer but are “in no rush” to meet Sporting’s full €100 million clause.

Current Status and Next Steps

Club sources say Atlético’s sporting director has quietly held talks with Gyökeres’ representatives, highlighting “genuine interest” on both sides. Sporting’s need for funds could soften their stance if the player pushes for the move, and insiders suggest Atlético may wait until after international tournaments before making a formal bid. To date, there have been no official statements from Atlético or Gyökeres, though the player himself has offered only that “you never know what is going to happen” when asked about his future.

Potential Impact for Atlético

If the transfer goes through, Gyökeres would likely rotate with Julián Álvarez up front, giving Simeone more tactical flexibility and much-needed goal-scoring depth. His knack for big-game goals could prove decisive in La Liga and Champions League fixtures. For a club renowned for defensive solidity, adding a reliable, high-volume scorer would signal clear intent to challenge on all fronts.









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