Viktor Gyokeres has hinted he would be open to leaving Sporting Lisbon to compete at a ‘higher level’ amid reported interest from the Premier League.
Gyokeres has been sensational since signing for Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, with the Swedish striker scoring 43 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions for the Portuguese champions last season.
The 26-year-old has started the new season in similar fashion with seven goals in four Primeira Liga appearances, increasing speculation surrounding his future.
Sporting are desperate to tie the striker down to a new deal, which could possibly increase his current €100m (£86m) release clause at the Estádio José Alvalade.
Gyokeres believes that high fee contributed to a lack of concrete interest during the summer, though the reported Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool target has suggested he would be open to leaving the Portuguese capital or one of Europe’s top leagues.
Gyokeres wants to play at ‘highest level’
“They (Sporting) wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight. That’s how it turned out, but I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me it was no problem to stay,” he said to Sport Bladet.
“Of course. You want to play at the highest level. It (his €100m release clause) was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course, it’s a lot of money. But we’ll see what happens next window.
“I enjoy myself very much in Sporting and can’t complain about anything, so it’s absolutely no problem for me to stay. Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress.”
