Portugal to Premier League - how will Gyokeres fare?
Arsenal Snags Swedish Striker Gyokeres for £64m: Can He Conquer the Premier League?
Arsenal have completed a blockbuster deal, signing Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting for a fee that could reach £64 million.
The 27-year-old forward has been a goal machine in Portugal, scoring a phenomenal 97 goals in just 102 appearances for Sporting. His incredible form last season saw him rack up an astonishing 54 goals in 52 games, averaging more than a goal per game.
Gyokeres' impressive numbers have not gone unnoticed by top clubs, including Manchester United who sparked debate over his Premier League potential. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand expressed doubts about Gyokeres' ability to thrive in the English top flight, questioning whether he possessed the skills needed to succeed against elite defenses.
"Is there enough - after he's physically matched - to get him a goal?" Ferdinand queried on his podcast.
However, Bjorn Hamberg, Gyokeres' former assistant coach at Brighton and fellow Swede, insists that the striker possesses the physical attributes necessary for success in England: "He has got the physicality for sure."
From Championship Loans to Champions League Goals
Gyokeres' journey to Arsenal is a testament to his talent and determination. After leaving Brighton without playing a single Premier League minute, he rebuilt his career through loan spells in the Championship with Swansea and Coventry, and in Germany with St Pauli.
His form at Coventry caught the eye of Sporting, who signed him for £20.5m. In Portugal, Gyokeres has flourished, scoring 39 goals in the Primeira Liga during the 2024-25 season, surpassing any other player who reached 20 goals. He also impressed in the Champions League with a hat-trick against Manchester City and six goals overall.
Can He Match Ronaldo's Legacy?
While Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the most successful import from Portugal to England, the question remains: Can Gyokeres follow in his footsteps and become a Premier League legend?
The history of Portuguese forwards moving to England is mixed. Some have thrived, like Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) who has scored 62 goals in the Premier League. Others, like Mario Jardel, have fallen short of expectations.
Gyokeres' unique goal celebration, inspired by Bane from Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, captures his fierce determination to succeed.
His former coaches and teammates describe him as a "stubborn kid" with a "strong mentality" who is always focused on achieving his goals.
A New Challenge Awaits
While Gyokeres has proven himself in Portugal, the Premier League presents a new and formidable challenge. The question remains: Can he translate his incredible goal-scoring record to England's top flight?
Hamberg believes that Gyokeres is ready for this challenge: "I think he's committed to let go again... At the same time, in his last few seasons, especially in the Champions League, you can see he is probably more prepared than ever to take that challenge on."
Only time will tell if Gyokeres can conquer the Premier League. But one thing is certain: Arsenal fans are excited to see what he brings to the table.