Viktor Gyokeres Joins Arsenal: Can He Succeed in the Premier League?

Arsenal have confirmed the £64m signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, but doubts remain over the Swedish striker’s ability to replicate his Portuguese league form in the Premier League.

Gyokeres, 27, scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting last season, with 97 goals and 26 assists in 102 total appearances for the Lisbon club. Yet some, including former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, remain unconvinced.

“I don’t think he’s the guy,” said Ferdinand on his podcast.

“He ain’t getting that opportunity in the Prem.”

From Primeira Liga to Premier League

Gyokeres follows a well-worn path from Sporting CP to the Premier League—one blazed by Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Nani. But not all such transfers succeed.

Mario Jardel, once a Golden Boot winner in Portugal, flopped at Bolton.

Carlos Vinicius and Darwin Nunez have had mixed Premier League spells.

Gyokeres in Numbers (2024-25 Season)

• Goals: 54

• Assists: 12

• Penalties scored: 19 (35% of total goals)

• Champions League goals: 6 (including a hat-trick vs Man City)

Arsenal’s Gamble

Gyokeres’ unique goal celebration is inspired by Bane, the villain from the Batman film The Dark Knight Rises, and involves him crossing his fingers over his mouth, mimicking a mask

Despite doubts, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is believed to see Gyokeres as the complete striker: physical, clinical, and tireless in pressing.

Gyokeres played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting and thrived in a fast, attacking system. His former Brighton assistant coach, Bjorn Hamberg, told BBC Sport:

“He’s versatile, good in transitions, and strong in big spaces. He’s more prepared than ever to take on the Premier League.”

Return to England

Gyokeres’ journey has come full circle.

He left Brighton without a single Premier League minute, finding success via loan spells at Coventry, Swansea, and St Pauli. His 38 goals in 91 league games for Coventry earned him a £20.5m move to Sporting.

Hamberg added:

“He trains how he plays. He’s stubborn, driven, and constantly improving.”

Risks and Realities

At 27, Gyokeres is entering the Premier League at his peak.

But will his dominance in Portugal translate to goals in England?

• League quality gap: Primeira Liga ≠ Premier League

• High penalty count: 19 of his goals came from the spot

• Lack of top-five league experience: Never played in England’s top flight despite Brighton stint

Still, Gyokeres’ explosive development, work ethic, and confidence suggest he could defy the odds—just as he has throughout his career.