The sensational £70 million transfer of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal has taken a dramatic turn as the striker’s agent publicly accused his former club of disrespect and broken promises. The Swedish international’s representative has broken his silence, revealing explosive behind-the-scenes details that paint Sporting Lisbon in an unfavorable light during one of the summer’s most contentious transfer sagas.
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The Agent’s Explosive Accusations Against Sporting Lisbon
Viktor Gyökeres’ agent accused Sporting CP of disrespecting the Swedish striker during his transfer to Arsenal, revealing behind-the-scenes tensions and the player’s unwavering desire to join the Premier League. The representative, Hasan Cetinkaya, has come forward with damning allegations that suggest Sporting Lisbon reneged on crucial agreements that were fundamental to Viktor Gyokeres’ career planning.
The dissatisfaction with Sporting arises from an unofficial verbal pact agreed last summer, which is not being honored by Sporting’s current president. The pact allowed for a release in the summer of 2025 for around €65m-€70m, but now Sporting demands a higher fee. This broken promise became the catalyst for what would become one of the most acrimonious transfers of the summer window.
The agent’s revelations paint a picture of a club that failed to honor its word, leading to Viktor Gyokeres feeling betrayed by an organization where he had achieved remarkable success. Gyokeres’ agents reportedly claim that Sporting reneged on a promise to sell him for approximately €60 million plus €10 million in bonuses. This breach of trust would prove to be the breaking point in the relationship between Viktor Gyokeres and Sporting Lisbon.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Summer 2024 | Alleged verbal agreement for €60m + €10m transfer |
| June 2025 | Transfer saga becomes public |
| July 2025 | Viktor Gyokeres goes on strike |
| July 2025 | Agent makes public accusations |
| Late July 2025 | Arsenal complete signing |
The Transfer Saga Timeline and Breakdown
The Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga didn’t unfold overnight. Gyokeres’ agent claims to have evidence in writing that Sporting promised him to let him go for €60 million + €10 million. This written evidence suggests that the agreement was more than just a verbal understanding, making Sporting Lisbon’s subsequent actions even more controversial.
Viktor Gyökeres is angry at Sporting CP for the transfer fee they are demanding, believing they have gone back on a gentleman’s agreement to allow him to move for €60m plus €10m in add-ons — much less than his €100m release clause. The dramatic difference between the agreed fee and his release clause highlights the extent of the dispute.
The situation escalated when the striker refused to train with the Lisbon club, with Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas insisting that Viktor Gyökeres would face fines after he went on strike, refusing to report to the club’s preseason training. This dramatic protest demonstrated Viktor Gyokeres’ determination to force through his move to Arsenal.
Transfer Fee Breakdown
| Component | Amount (€) | Amount (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fee | €63 million | ~£55 million |
| Add-ons | €10 million | ~£8.7 million |
| Total Potential | €73 million | ~£63.7 million |
| Agent Fee Waived | €6.35 million | ~£5.5 million |
Arsenal’s Successful Pursuit and Financial Details
Despite the complications, Arsenal remained committed to securing Viktor Gyokeres’ signature. Arsenal agreed to pay around £55m to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres with negotiations continuing over add-ons. The final deal structure would prove crucial in resolving the impasse.
Viktor Gyokeres completed his transfer from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal in a deal worth up to €73 million, of which €10 million is add-ons. The successful completion of this transfer represented a victory for both Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal, while highlighting Sporting Lisbon’s eventual capitulation.
Remarkably, Gyökeres’ agents agreed to waive their cut of the initial fee — saving Sporting €6.35m. The striker himself resisted interest from elsewhere, including United, and told Sporting he would not report back for preseason training out of desire to leave the club. This gesture demonstrated the lengths to which Viktor Gyokeres and his team were willing to go to facilitate the move.
The Impact on Sporting Lisbon’s Reputation
Sporting’s frustration reportedly stemmed from claims by Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, that a transfer agreement had been reached prior to the official start of the window. The club was also accused of attempting to drive up the striker’s value by courting other suitors. These tactics backfired spectacularly, damaging the club’s relationship with one of their most valuable assets.
The controversy surrounding Viktor Gyokeres’ departure has raised serious questions about Sporting Lisbon’s transfer policy and their treatment of star players. The public nature of the dispute, combined with the agent’s willingness to go on record with specific accusations, suggests deep-seated issues within the Portuguese club’s hierarchy.
The situation became so contentious that it affected Arsenal’s pre-season planning, with the prolonged negotiations preventing Viktor Gyokeres from joining his new teammates on their summer tour. This disruption highlighted the real-world consequences of Sporting Lisbon’s alleged failure to honor their commitments.
Viktor Gyokeres’ Remarkable Career Trajectory
Understanding Viktor Gyokeres’ frustration requires context about his incredible rise at Sporting Lisbon. The Swedish striker had become one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers, making his desire for a move to the Premier League entirely understandable. His performances had elevated him to a level where top clubs like Arsenal were willing to invest significant sums in his services.
The broken promises from Sporting Lisbon represented not just a breach of trust, but potentially a threat to Viktor Gyokeres’ career progression. At 27 years old, the striker understood that opportunities to join elite clubs like Arsenal don’t come along frequently, making Sporting Lisbon’s alleged obstruction particularly frustrating.
Viktor Gyokeres Career Statistics at Sporting
| Season | Goals | Appearances | Goals per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 43 | 50 | 0.86 |
| 2023-24 | 54 | 51 | 1.06 |
| Total | 97 | 101 | 0.96 |
The Resolution and Arsenal’s Triumph
Sweden international Viktor Gyökeres has signed for Arsenal on a long-term contract. This successful conclusion represented a triumph for Viktor Gyokeres’ persistence and Arsenal’s patient approach to the negotiations.
The final resolution of the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga validates the striker’s approach and his agent’s public criticism of Sporting Lisbon. By maintaining their position and refusing to accept the Portuguese club’s alleged broken promises, they ultimately secured the move that had been promised months earlier.
For Arsenal, securing Viktor Gyokeres represents a significant coup in the transfer market. The striker’s goal-scoring record and proven ability at the highest level make him an ideal addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad as they continue their pursuit of major trophies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did Viktor Gyokeres’ agent accuse Sporting Lisbon of disrespect? The agent claimed Sporting Lisbon broke a verbal agreement from summer 2024 that would have allowed Viktor Gyokeres to leave for €60-70 million, instead demanding higher fees and going back on their promises.
Q2: How much did Arsenal pay for Viktor Gyokeres? Arsenal paid a total fee of up to €73 million (approximately £63.7 million), consisting of €63 million base fee plus €10 million in potential add-ons.
Q3: Did Viktor Gyokeres really go on strike at Sporting Lisbon? Yes, Viktor Gyokeres refused to report for pre-season training and was threatened with fines by Sporting’s president as he pushed for his Arsenal transfer.
Q4: What role did the agent play in the transfer saga? Viktor Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, publicly accused Sporting of broken promises and even waived his commission fee to help facilitate the move to Arsenal.
Q5: How long is Viktor Gyokeres’ contract at Arsenal? Viktor Gyokeres signed a long-term contract with Arsenal, though the exact duration hasn’t been publicly disclosed by the club.
