Worth more than Gyokeres: Man Utd face Elanga 2.0 as terms agreed for exit

Viktor Gyokeres is a player who has been on Manchester United’s radar over the last couple of months, after previously playing under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP.

The Swede has been a man in demand not just from the Red Devils, but from multiple sides all across Europe, with a big-money move expected during the off-season.

Amorim’s side have constantly been monitoring his situation in Portugal, but it appears as though they are set to miss out on any deal to land the 27-year-old talisman.

He’s previously stated his desire to join Arsenal if he were to move to the Premier League this window, leading to the Red Devils exploring other options within the market.

Numerous names have been mentioned as options for the centre-forward position this summer, with multiple players in their sights, which could see other players depart this window.

The latest on United’s centre-forward department this summer

Dušan Vlahović is a player who’s been constantly on their radar over recent weeks, with United in talks with Juventus over a deal for the Serbian international.

Victor Osimhen has been another name mentioned in the last few weeks, but the Nigerian could cost a pretty penny, with his current side, Napoli, demanding £64m to sell him during the off-season.

However, if they are to land any of the aforementioned stars, they may have to sell some current stars, with Rasmus Hojlund edging closer to a departure, according to Man United Source.

They claim that the Danish forward has agreed personal terms with Serie A side Inter Milan over a move to the San Siro this window, with negotiations at an early stage.

They also state that the player himself is pushing for a move to the Italian giants after scoring just four times in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Why one United star could be a repeat of Elanga

Anthony Elanga left United back in the summer of 2023, departing in a £15m deal to join Nottingham Forest and ending his stint at Old Trafford, which once held so much promise.

The Swede has taken his career to the next level since departing the Red Devils, with the winger reaching new heights under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo.

He featured in every single Premier League outing last season, notching a total of six goals and 11 assists, helping the Reds secure a place in the Europa Conference League.

However, it appears as though he’s set to leave the City Ground in favour of a switch to join Newcastle United, with a £55m deal being mooted for the 23-year-old’s signature.

The Red Devils are due a 15% sell-on from any deal this summer, but given his rise away from Old Trafford, it was a huge mistake in allowing him to depart a couple of years ago.

Such a deal could be repeated this summer with Hojlund, with the Dane potentially recapturing his best form if he secures a permanent move away from Amorim’s side.

The 22-year-old, who’s valued at £70m by CIES Football Observatory, is worth more than Gyokeres, who’s only worth £68m despite his recent goalscoring exploits.

Whilst he only managed four league goals last campaign, his first year at the club demonstrated serious quality, registering 16 goals across all competitions, proving he can cut it at the top level.

Selling him would undoubtedly bank them some immediate cash, but given his tender age, he has bags of time to develop and prove why the club spent £72m on his signature.

However, as seen with Elanga, prematurely offloading young talents is a huge risk, potentially selling a player who could star for the Red Devils in the years ahead.

It remains to be seen if he will complete a deal to join Inter Milan this summer, but given the latest update, it appears he’s edging closer to a move – with his departure one the hierarchy will rue if he can replicate the Swede’s achievements.