Manchester United Confirm £110M Viktor Gyökeres Signing; Takes Garnacho’s No. 17 ShirtWritten by Dandozzy | June 27, 2025Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP in a club-record £110 million deal, making the Swedish striker the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Gyökeres will wear the No. 17 jersey, previously held by Alejandro Garnacho, who is expected to join Napoli in a £50 million move.
The transfer, finalized on June 27, represents a major statement by United and their new manager Ruben Amorim, who has been overseeing a significant overhaul of the squad.
Gyökeres, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most complete forwards, had an outstanding 2024/25 season — scoring 43 goals and providing 15 assists in 50 appearances, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.His statistics — 87 successful dribbles, 12 headed goals, and 56 key passes — highlight his all-around threat and suitability for Amorim’s 3-4-3 tactical system.
The £110 million fee (including performance-based add-ons) surpasses the previous club-record £89 million spent on Paul Pogba in 2016.
It reflects the urgency with which United pursued a top-tier No. 9 following Rasmus Højlund’s inconsistent performances and Joshua Zirkzee’s loan move to Anderlecht.Gyökeres’ arrival comes shortly after United secured Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million and are now in advanced talks with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, underlining a dramatic transformation in their attacking lineup.
Assigning Gyökeres the No. 17 shirt has sparked debate among fans, given its recent association with Garnacho.
The 20-year-old Argentine winger had a turbulent end to his United tenure, including a reported falling out with Amorim following the club’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Garnacho had a mixed season — 11 goals in 57 games — but was also known for moments of brilliance, such as his 2023 Puskás Award-winning bicycle kick against Everton.However, his outspoken criticism of the club’s poor campaign contributed to his likely departure.
Opinions among fans are split: some see Gyökeres as a transformative figure, while others feel Garnacho’s treatment was harsh.Despite not qualifying for the Champions League — and missing out on a potential £100 million financial boost — United’s ambitious recruitment is backed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.
Garnacho’s sale, as a homegrown player, will count as pure profit under Profit and Sustainability Rules, helping to finance the Gyökeres deal.With Marcus Rashford loaned to Aston Villa and Jadon Sancho expected to leave, Amorim is reshaping the attack around a new core. Gyökeres’ debut is highly anticipated, as Manchester United prepare to challenge once again for domestic and European honors.
