Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have reportedly identified Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as Erling Haaland’s replacement.
Erling Haaland has been breaking records for fun since making the move to the Premier League. But his long-term future at Manchester City is not certain. The Norwegian international could look to part ways in search of a new challenge elsewhere and according to a report from Fichajes, City have already identified a potential replacement in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres’s sensational rise at Sporting CP
The Swedish striker has taken his game to a new level since moving to Portugal in the summer of 2023. In his debut season for Sporting CP, the 26-year-old scored 43 goals and even bagged 15 assists in his 50 outings. He was by far the best player in the Portuguese top flight and his performances did result in a lot of interest from across Europe.
While multiple top clubs wanted to sign the goal machine, Viktor Gyokeres decided to continue at Sporting for another year. He has started the 2024/25 season in fine fashion with 12 goals and three assists in his 11 outings. The Swede is heading into the prime of his career, and he is expected to be on the move to a bigger club next summer.
Manchester City target Viktor Gyokeres as Haaland replacement
Manchester City are one of the clubs that are interested in the services of the former Coventry City striker. Pep Guardiola’s team are home to one of the world’s best forwards Erling Haaland, who has been scoring goals for fun.
The 24-year-old has 11 goals in his 10 outings this season, and he has been a key part of all the success they have had in the last few seasons. While his contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027, multiple reports have suggested that he could be on the move in the future for a new challenge elsewhere.
With his long-term future uncertain, Manchester City want to be prepared in case of a potential departure and they have identified Viktor Gyokeres as an ideal replacement. The 26-year-old has proven his goalscoring abilities over the last 18 months and since he is heading into his prime years, he could help the Manchester-based club cope with Haaland’s potential departure.
While Manchester City are interested in the Sporting ace, the deal solely depends on Haaland leaving the Premier League giants.
