23 goals in 14 games. While it sounds like a stat that belongs to Erling Haaland, this remarkable achievement is actually owned by Viktor Gyökeres, the hottest striker in Europe right now from Sporting Lisbon. Fresh off a hat-trick in a 4-1 thrashing of Manchester City, Gyökeres has caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs. But how did a player once discarded by Brighton rise to stardom?
Brighton Blues
Despite Brighton’s reputation for savvy recruitment, Gyökeres’ story remains a rare regret. Bought for a modest fee, he struggled to find his footing at the club. Manager Graham Potter preferred Neal Maupay to lead Brighton’s attack, and Gyökeres saw limited action, netting only 10 goals across three loan spells. His lack of success at Brighton ultimately led to his departure.
Coventry Transformation
After leaving Brighton, Gyökeres joined Coventry City for just £1 million, and it was here that his career took off. Given the opportunity, he blossomed into a prolific striker, scoring 38 goals in 91 games over two seasons. His impact was transformative, leading Coventry to an unlikely playoff final against Luton Town.
When Sporting Lisbon cashed in on a £60 million move for Manuel Ugarte to PSG, they reinvested with a record-breaking £16.7 million signing of Gyökeres—a move that has already paid off handsomely.
Sporting Star Sensation
Before Gyökeres arrived, Sporting Lisbon had just endured a disappointing season, losing the league title to rivals Benfica. Manager Ruben Amorim saw Gyökeres as the solution to Sporting’s scoring woes, and the Swede quickly validated that choice. In the 2022-23 season, Gyökeres stormed through Portugal, earning Bola de Prata as top scorer with 29 goals and being named Player of the Year.
Following knee surgery over the summer, Gyökeres came back stronger, already boasting 23 goals in 14 games this season, a tally that tops Europe’s elite leagues.
A Defender’s Worst Nightmare
Gyökeres combines explosive speed, physical strength, and lethal finishing, making him a nightmare for defenders. His dribbling skills enable him to cut through defenses, creating chances out of thin air. On top of that, his impressive link-up play has fostered a formidable partnership with Pedro Gonçalves, Marcus Edwards, and Francisco Trincão. His relentless pressing and work rate make him a constant threat, even in defense.
Much of Gyökeres’ development can be credited to his time with Coventry, where he honed his resilience in the physically demanding Championship. Players like Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Jamie Vardy similarly used Championship stints to launch successful Premier League careers, and Gyökeres seems poised to follow in their footsteps.
Amorim Reunion on the Cards?
Netherlands legend Rafael van der Vaart recently said, “It sounds a bit crazy but I think Gyökeres is a bit of a better version of Haaland.” With Manchester United struggling for a reliable finisher, manager Amorim’s presence at Old Trafford could make Gyökeres an enticing option for the Red Devils.
Sporting have reportedly set a £63 million price tag for Gyökeres next summer—a potential bargain given the player’s current form. Ironically, it was Dan Ashworth, now sporting director at United, who deemed Gyökeres unfit for Brighton. Convincing Gyökeres to join United would mean acknowledging a missed opportunity from his Brighton days.
With Europe’s top clubs vying for his signature, Gyökeres will have a big decision to make. Could he follow Amorim to Old Trafford and reignite the rivalry with Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland? For Ashworth and United’s sake, let’s hope he doesn’t hold past decisions against them.
