Viktor Gyokeres threatened with fines by Sporting chief after pre-season no-show

Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has publicly criticized star striker Viktor Gyokeres for failing to report to pre-season training, warning of disciplinary consequences for the Swedish international's absence. Varandas stated the situation would be resolved with "a heavy fine and an apology to the group," emphasizing that Gyokeres remains under contract for three more years, giving the club full control over his future.

The absence is widely interpreted as Gyokeres pushing for a transfer, with several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United (where he could reunite with former manager Ruben Amorim) showing interest. Varandas forcefully rejected any notion that this tactic pressures Sporting, declaring that "no one is above the club's interests" and that such actions actually complicate a potential exit rather than facilitating it.

Since joining from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances, becoming one of Europe's most prolific strikers and helping Sporting win consecutive Primeira Liga titles. Despite his status as a hot commodity, Sporting remain firm on their valuation and refuse to accept anything below what they deem fair market value.

As Sporting continue their pre-season schedule, including an upcoming friendly against Celtic, the club's leadership has made clear that discipline and institutional order take precedence over any player's personal ambitions, leaving Gyokeres' immediate future uncertain.