Barcelona dealt blow as Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim keen on signing La Liga giants target: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly contemplating a move for Sporting CP striker Victor Gyokeres, a Barcelona target. The Swedish striker played under Amorim at Sporting before the head coach joined United in November last year.

Gyokeres, 26, is one of the most in-form strikers in the continent, bagging 27 goals and six assists in 27 games across competitions for Sporting. However, despite being contracted with the Portuguese giants till 2028, his recent exploits have made Gyokeres a hot target for top clubs across Europe.

As per Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal), Amorim is keen to reunite with Gyokeres at Old Trafford. That won't be music to the ears of Barca, who have been eyeing the striker for a while.

Overall, Gyokeres has been in impressive form with Sporting since arriving from Coventry City in the summer of 2023. In 77 games across competitions, he has scored 70 times and also provided 21 assists. That includes 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 games last season as Amorim's Sporting won the Primeira Liga.

While it looked like Amorim won't raid his former club before the summer to bring in Gyokeres, United's scoring woes could seemingly force his hands. The Red Devils are a lowly 14th in the Premier League, losing nine of 19 games, including their last three. They have scored just 21 times, the fewest in the top-15.

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What's next for Manchester United and Barcelona?

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick

Manchester United and Barcelona have had contrasting campaigns. As mentioned above, the Red Devils are struggling in the league, being closer to the drop zone (seven points) than the top-4 (13).

Amorim's side have fared slightly better in Europe, going unbeaten in their opening six UEFA Europa League games, winning three. However, they have been knocked out of the EFL Cup.

Manchester United closed 2024 with a 2-0 home loss to Newcastle United in the league. Things are not going to get any easier, as they next travel to runaway leaders Liverpool - who are six points clear at the top with a game in hand - on Sunday (January 5).

Meanwhile, Barca have fared relatively better but have fallen off the pace after a bright start. Following successive league losses - including a 2-1 home defeat to leaders Atletico Madrid - they are third in the standings, trailing the Rojiblancos by three points, having played a game more.

They next take on Barbastro away in their Copa del Rey opener on Saturday (January 4).