Coventry will not earn a penny from any Viktor Gyokeres sale this summer, despite previously agreeing a sell-on clause in his contract.
The Sporting star has been heavily tipped for a big-money move this transfer window after establishing himself as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers since joining from the Sky Blues in 2023.
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Gyokeres scored a staggering 54 goals in 52 games last term as he helped his side to a second consecutive Portuguese title.
His goalscoring exploits have seen him linked with a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, with the Swede reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford, which would reunite with former boss Ruben Amorim.
The Swede has a £85million release clause in his contract, though it was previously reported Sporting want around £60m (€70m) for him.
And it was thought that Coventry would benefit from any such business.
Gyokeres spent two years at the Championship club following an initial loan from Brighton, scoring 40 goals in 97 games.
In November, Sky Blues owner Doug King told talkSPORT that they had a sell-on agreement with Sporting, although a portion of any fee would also go to the Seagulls.
But this is now no longer the case, with talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook revealing the West Midlands outfit have waived their right to a potential transfer windfall.
When discussing a possible summer move to Man United on Inside Devils, Coventry’s sell-on clause for Gyokeres was mentioned.
At this point, Crook said: “I’ve not actually reported it yet, but I think you’ll find Coventry sold that sell-on clause at the start of last season to fund their own squad spend.”
News of this will no doubt shock fans, with this sell-on clause previously being reported as 10 per cent.
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Given the significant figure Sporting are likely to receive should the 27-year-old depart, this would have seen Coventry gain financially from any profit on the initial £20m they sold the Gyokeres for.
It is not yet clear how much the club received through passing up their sell-on clause in order to finance their squad spend.
Their spending on recruitment totalled £18m last season.
This included the signing of Jack Rudoni from Huddersfield for a reported £5m, as well as Matt Grimes’ arrival from Swansea for a fee believed to be between £3.5m and £4m.
Coventry appointed Chelsea great Frank Lampard as manager in November 2024, and later finished fifth in the Championship, but were beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Sunderland.
The update on the second tier outfit’s role in Gyokeres’ transfer saga comes after Sporting president Frederico Varandas warned the club will not be blackmailed into accepting a low fee for him.
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Reports in Portugal had claimed Gyokeres is threatening to go on strike amid claims Sporting have upped their asking price.
It was previously thought the Lisbon side would accept around £60m for the goal machine after honouring a verbal pact allowing him to leave for less after committing to staying for the 2024/25 campaign.
However, indications are that the club would accept around the £70m mark, with Varandas setting the record straight amid recent speculation in the press.
He said: “Sporting will not accept blackmail or insults now. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10 (£51.5m plus £8.5m).
“As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”
As well as Man United, Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown an interest in the Sweden international.
talkSPORT also understands two Saudi clubs, Al-Qadsiah and new Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, are interested, though t is not thought Gyokeres wishes to leave Europe, especially a year before the 2026 World Cup.
