Coventry City could be set to land a financial windfall of between €8-12 million should Sporting Lisbon cash in on star striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to Sport Witness.
The Swedish international joined the 19-time Portuguese champions in the summer in a deal worth an initial €20 million, a record fee for both the paying and receiving club. The attacker was a huge hit at the Sky Blues, hitting 21 Championship goals last season as the Midlands’ side reached the play-off final.
The defeat to Luton Town at Wembley Stadium proved heartbreaking, and speculation of Sporting’s interest continued until he eventually secured a transfer in July.
Upon his signing, it was announced that the deal included a €100 million release clause, a fee which looks unlikely to be met. However, the 25-year-old has hit the ground running at Estádio José Alvalade, scoring eight times in nine appearances to date, including twice in the Europa League.
Due to his electric start, murmurs that the former Brighton & Hove Albion man is attracting attention from Europe could emerge, prompting manager Ruben Amorim to address the situation. Speaking to Portuguese media outlet O Jogo, he said;
“He has a clause. During this year, as far as I know, only someone leaves through the clause. Therefore, if they pay €100 million, he will have to go. Until then, he will be a Sporting player.”
Sport Witness claim that Coventry would be due up to 15% of any future profit, meaning that should Sporting receive the full release clause, they would make a minimum of €80 million profit. This means the Championship side could stand to land up to €12 million should Gyokeres be sold.
Lisbon are in action tonight in the Taca de Portugal third round against Olivais e Moscavide.
Writer’s View
Although his form is electric, it is incredibly unlikely that anyone will fork out €100 million for Viktor Gyokeres. The reminder of his release clause by manager Amorim will be nothing more than a warning to other potential suitors that they will not entertain any offers for their new striker.
Coventry may well be watching the situation with tentative interest, but they will have to play the long game before they receive any additional funds from this deal.
