All the buzz for number nine hunger teams this year will be around Swedish sharpshooter Viktor Gyokeres as numerous Premier League teams look to explore the 26 year old striker this summer. Even though his ability is there, his Premier League readiness hasn't been proven yet, and one more stepping stone in Europe could be first before a big jump to the Prem.
Ever since leaving Coventry City off the back of a sickening playoff loss which negated their hopes of reaching the Premier League, Gyokeres was one of the hottest strikers on the market, eventually being picked up by Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, ready to embark on a journey which nobody could have imagined. Nevertheless, now Gyokeres is one of the most desirable number nines across the world, and has teams fighting against one another for just the chance to sign him.
Ever since heading to Lisbon on a 24 million euro transfer during the 2023 summer transfer window, Gyokeres has found the back of the net 68 times over 66 games, an unbelievable stat, a star worthy of playing at the highest level of football. However, despite the fact he was averaging a goal a game at Sporting, the level between the Portuguese league, and the Premier League is unfathomable, and a move to a bigger European club as a stepping stone for his inevitable move to the Premier League could put teams at ease, and would be a great way to backup that giant price tag.
With an ask of upwards of 65 to 100 million euros, a move to a team like Dortmund who have been a great testing ground for players to prove themselves in the past could be a great stepping stone for a player like Gyokeres, but the price tag could be an issue. And although the Premier League knocks at the door are getting heavier and heavier, a move like this is probably unrealistic, but would be a great detour to prove himself even more.
As seen wirth players like the Swede in the past, the bright lights paired with the giant price tags can always be a mistake and can always go wrong, but unlike those like Antony who was put in a similar situation, the numbers and ability he has showcased at Sporting is too appealing to be overlooked. Despite whether he has or hasn't quite got the preparation for the Premier League quite yet, it almost looks inevitable, and no other path looks realistic for Gyokeres now.
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