Manchester United have finalized a club-record £110 million deal to sign Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres, with the 26-year-old Swedish star set to don the No. 17 shirt previously worn by Alejandro Garnacho. The transfer, confirmed on June 27, 2025, marks United’s most expensive signing ever, surpassing the £89 million paid for Paul Pogba in 2016.
Gyökeres, who bid an emotional farewell to Sporting, is poised to lead United’s attack under Ruben Amorim, stunning fans and pundits with the magnitude of the move.
Gyökeres, hailed as one of Europe’s top forwards, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances for Sporting last season, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City. His 87 dribbles, 12 headed goals, and 56 key passes highlight his all-around threat, making him a perfect fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
The £110 million fee, which includes add-ons, reflects United’s urgency to secure a world-class No. 9 after Rasmus Højlund’s inconsistent form and Joshua Zirkzee’s loan to Anderlecht. Gyökeres’ arrival follows United’s £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and ongoing talks for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, signaling a complete attacking overhaul.
The decision to assign Gyökeres the No. 17 shirt, vacated by Garnacho, who is nearing a £50 million move to Napoli, has sparked debate. Garnacho, a 20-year-old winger with 11 goals in 57 appearances last season, was told by Amorim to find a new club after a fallout following United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
His iconic bicycle kick against Everton in 2023 earned him the FIFA Puskás Award, but his inconsistent finishing and public criticism of the club’s “s***” season led to his exit. Fans on social media are divided, with some praising Gyökeres’ arrival, posting, “Viktor’s a beast—United’s attack is reborn!” Others lament Garnacho’s departure, with one user stating, “Giving his number away so soon feels brutal.”
United’s financial commitment, backed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, comes despite missing out on a £100 million Champions League payday. The sale of Garnacho, a homegrown player, provides pure profit under Profit and Sustainability Rules, helping fund the Gyökeres deal.
With Marcus Rashford’s loan to Aston Villa and Jadon Sancho’s likely exit, Amorim’s vision is clear: build around elite talents like Gyökeres to restore United’s glory. The Swede’s debut is eagerly awaited as United aim to challenge for the Premier League title.
