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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>In-demand forward threatened to strike</li><li>Sporting hiked transfer fee</li><li>Club reportedly leaked injury rumours</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Revealed: How Viktor Gyokeres' relationship with Sporting CP broke down last year as striker accuses club of 'leaking' surgery reports to dampen transfer interest

<p>The relationship between Gyokeres and his club has become <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arsenal-transfer-proposal-viktor-gyokeres-blackmail-claims-rival-man-utd-juventus-sporting-striker/blt51a9b9f20db7f990" target="_blank">increasingly strained </a>in recent weeks, as speculation about the forward's future hots up. Now, a new potential starting point for the rift has emerged, with reports from the Swedish publication <a href="https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/KMxzwy/darfor-har-det-skurit-sig-mellan-gyokeres-och-sporting" target="_blank">Sportbladet </a>suggesting that inside sources leaked rumours about Gyokeres' surgery in order to dissuade potential suitors from trying to sign him. </p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Revealing how the rift came about, the sports paper wrote that in May 2024, Gyokeres had minor knee surgery and it was agreed it would be kept quiet<em>, </em>"But the day after the player and his representatives had a meeting with the club, it was leaked to Portuguese media that the procedure had been performed." It's been suggested that the purpose of the leak was to put off clubs interested in signing the Swede last summer.</p>

WHAT SPORTBLADET SAID

<p>The Swedish forward has been in unstoppable form for Sporting, scoring an incredible 54 goals in 52 games across the 2024/25 season. His performances have understandably led to plenty of interest from other clubs, but delays over a potential move to a bigger outfit — with sides like <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/viktor-gyokeres-threatens-strike-sporting-broken-transfer-promise-man-utd-push-frontman/blt06a106839de30d10#csfd0871f24f5f6683" target="_blank">Arsenal, Juventus and Chelsea all supposedly interested </a>— have caused frustration, while Sporting hiking the fee they are willing to let him go for from £60 million ($81.5m) to £70m ($95m) has also annoyed Gyokeres.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The situation has become messy and the 26-year-old clearly needs a fresh start, but whether these recent complications will have a negative impact on interest from suitors remains to be seen. Arsenal's desperate need for a prolific out-and-out striker means they are likely to continue pursuing their man, but they may need to fight off interest from other clubs too.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR GYOKERES?

Revealed: How Viktor Gyokeres' relationship with Sporting CP broke down last year as striker accuses club of 'leaking' surgery reports to dampen transfer interest | Goal.com

Reports have emerged suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres&apos; ongoing spat with Sporting CP stemmed from the club leaking injury rumours about him.

Revealed: How Viktor Gyokeres&apos; relationship with Sporting CP broke down last year as striker accuses club of &apos;leaking&apos; surgery reports to dampen transfer interest