This summer, as every year, several players offer themselves to Real Madrid, the club every footballer dreams of. The big difference is that not everyone manages to wear the white jersey, since, as is well known, playing at Santiago Bernabéu is a top-level reserved only for the most outstanding. The competition is fierce, and players who stand out with goals and great performances have more chances to attract Real Madrid.
In this context, one name has started to be strongly mentioned as an option to strengthen the team's attack: Viktor Gyökeres. The Sporting de Lisboa striker has had a fantastic season and was very close to winning the top scorer award in the Portuguese League.
With a value of €75 million and a contract until 2028, the 28-year-old Swede is one of the great sensations in Portugal. Now, after a season to remember, he has offered himself to Real Madrid to take another step in his career.
A lethal striker in search of his opportunity
According to Mario Cortegana, journalist for The Athletic, Gyökeres was directly offered to Real Madrid. However, the response from the club was negative. Although his performance has been impressive, Madrid seems to have other priorities.
Despite his great goal-scoring instinct, the club isn't looking for a starting "9" as the focal point of its attack. In fact, the idea of the coaching staff is not to depend on a finisher in every match, but to have a player who fulfills a secondary role in the attack.
Vinícius Júnior, the perfect ally
Even though Real Madrid hasn't shown interest in signing Gyökeres, other teams are paying close attention to his situation. However, there's something that could attract the Swedish striker even more: the possibility of playing alongside Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian, who has established himself as one of the team's stars, has welcomed the striker. Although nothing is official yet, the camaraderie and Vinícius's great season could work in favor of a future arrival. The Madridist talent shows its ability to lead the attack, and signing a complementary striker would be key for the future of the project.
Why not now?
The transfer market in Portugal is complicated. Clubs sell their stars at high prices, and Sporting de Lisboa isn't in a hurry to let its top scorer go. If Gyökeres insists, the Portuguese club could be forced to negotiate, since they usually let their stars leave if the offer is attractive.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid keeps evaluating its options for the attack. Although Gyökeres's profile doesn't fit into the club's immediate plans, his name continues to be mentioned in the halls of Bernabéu. The Swedish striker's future is hanging in the air, and Madrid isn't closing any doors, at least for now.