Brighton & Hove Albion’s Viktor Gyokeres has transitioned from a peripheral figure in English football to a standout performer in Europe, raising questions about his readiness for a new challenge. Initially deemed surplus to requirements during his stint at Brighton, Gyokeres’ rise to prominence began with his exploits in the Championship and culminated in a remarkable spell with Sporting Lisbon.
Gyokeres, who could not secure a Premier League appearance with Brighton, was loaned to Coventry City and subsequently made a permanent move to the Sky Blues after just three goals from 19 appearances. After two impressive seasons where he netted a remarkable 38 goals in 91 league games for Coventry, he signed for Sporting Lisbon in July 2023 for a fee reported to be around £20.5 million. His time in Portugal has seen him truly flourish; in the 2024-25 season alone, he scored 39 goals in the Primeira Liga and contributed significantly in the Champions League, including a hat-trick against Manchester City.
Despite his impressive scoring record, questions linger about Gyokeres’ ability to replicate his success in a more demanding league like the Premier League, with critics such as Rio Ferdinand expressing skepticism on the player’s adaptability. Ferdinand, a former Manchester United captain, commented, “I’ve watched him probably three times really, really closely… and three times I’ve gone: ‘He ain’t getting that opportunity in the Prem.’” Gyokeres’ tendency to score from penalties, with 35% of his goals in the last season coming from the spot, raises further concerns about whether he can consistently deliver in open play against top-tier defenses.
Top clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus, and Al-Hilal, have shown interest in the forward, particularly as Brighton emerges as a maker of significant profits through player sales, exemplified by past transfers of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo. This creates an intriguing backdrop where Gyokeres could be seen as a potential golden opportunity missed by Brighton, as he continues to set the European stage alight while they sold him off for a moderate fee.
Outside of his goal-scoring prowess, Gyokeres is also noted for his intelligent movement, work-rate, and playmaking ability, which makes him a well-rounded player rather than just a traditional striker. His combination of physical strength and technical skill has garnered him attention from various clubs. The question remains if he can maintain and build on this momentum should he transition to a league that demands more from its forwards.
Another aspect of Gyokeres’ character that has emerged is his relentless dedication and fiery spirit from a young age. Early accounts from coaches and teammates describe a competitive and somewhat stubborn player who was always keen to prove himself. As he grew, his game matured, and he developed into a more complete forward. Gyokeres attributes much of this development to the support from his father, who was an integral part of his journey through youth football, nurturing his potential from the grassroots level.
As Gyokeres stands at the precipice of a potential transfer and the opportunity for greater heights in his football career, the narrative will likely draw interest from both fans and analysts alike. His journey from obscurity at Brighton to prominence in Sporting Lisbon will define his next steps and whether he can indeed thrive in a top-tier league such as the Premier League. This potential trajectory also reflects modern football’s complex dynamics, where the transition from youth talent to marquee player can often include misjudgment along the way. Ultimately, the upcoming transfer window presents an exciting chapter not just for Gyokeres but for the significant clubs vying for his signature.