“Revealed: Leeds United Could Have Signed Viktor Gyokeres for Just £11.7m — But Victor Orta Said No!”
Leeds United had the chance to secure Viktor Gyokeres for a bargain £11.7 million during the 2022/23 season but missed out due to then-sporting director Victor Orta’s decision. This costly oversight is now being scrutinized as the club finds itself back in the Championship, a position many attribute to poor recruitment choices during Orta’s three-year reign in the Premier League.
Despite heavy January spending to avoid relegation in 2022, the opportunity to sign a talent like Gyokeres slipped through their fingers, raising questions about the club’s long-term planning.
“Leeds United’s £36m Gamble: Victor Orta Snubbed £11.7m Gyokeres for Struggling Rutter!”
In January 2023, Leeds United desperately needed a reliable striker as injuries plagued Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo. Despite identifying Viktor Gyokeres as a £11.7m bargain from Coventry City, then-sporting director Victor Orta opted for Georginio Rutter in a deal worth up to £36m.
With Rutter failing to deliver instant results, Orta’s decision to overlook Gyokeres has left fans wondering what could have been as Leeds now fight for redemption in the Championship.
“Victor Orta Admits Shocking Leeds Blunder: Snubbed Gyokeres for Just €14m!”
Speaking at the Liga Portugal Business School, Victor Orta revealed the full extent of Leeds United’s missed opportunity with Viktor Gyokeres: “I didn’t want to give €14m for him.”
Gyokeres, who scored 43 goals and 17 assists for Coventry City, has since become a sensation at Sporting CP with 66 goals and 19 assists in just 68 games. Leeds, meanwhile, shelled out £36m for Georginio Rutter, raising questions about Orta’s recruitment strategy as the club battles to recover in the Championship.
“Victor Orta Tries to Justify Gyokeres Snub, But Leeds Fans Knew He Was the One That Got Away”
As Victor Orta reflects on his decision to pass on Viktor Gyokeres for just €14m, Leeds United fans aren’t buying the excuses. While Orta claims Gyokeres’ rise was an unpredictable “good surprise,” supporters saw the Coventry City star as a surefire hit.
With Gyokeres thriving at Sporting CP and Leeds struggling in the Championship, this transfer blunder looms large as a missed opportunity for the club.
“Victor Orta Brushes Off Gyokeres Snub, but Leeds Fans Aren’t Buying It”
Victor Orta’s latest comments on passing up Viktor Gyokeres have left Leeds fans shaking their heads. Speaking about the €14m snub, Orta suggested the striker’s meteoric rise was an unpredictable “good surprise” that no one could have foreseen.
The irony? Leeds supporters were calling for Gyokeres back in 2023, knowing his potential. Now, with the forward thriving at Sporting CP, Orta’s attempt to downplay the blunder feels like an excuse that only adds to the frustration.
“Leeds United’s €14m Gyokeres Snub: The ‘What If’ That Still Haunts the Club”
Leeds United had a golden opportunity to secure Viktor Gyokeres for less than £12m in 2023, a move that could have saved their Premier League status. Anyone who watched the striker at Coventry could see his star potential, making Victor Orta’s decision to look elsewhere even more baffling.
Instead, Orta gambled on unproven talent outside the Championship, spending triple the amount on Georginio Rutter, who barely featured. Gyokeres, now thriving at Sporting CP, has become one of the biggest ‘what ifs’ in Leeds’ recent history, leaving Orta with egg firmly on his face.