IN 'PREDATOR' MODE: Gyökeres continues to give Barcelona reasons to bet on his signing

If there is a topic that is becoming an unequivocal certainty, it is the fact that Viktor Gyökeres, the hottest striker in Europe, is becoming an unquestionable reference of what it means to be a true 'predator' in the box. The 26-year-old Swedish forward, who is of interest to FC Barcelona as well as many other top clubs on the continent, is having a truly stellar 2024-25 season, making it clear that he is not just a 'One Season Wonder' and that his candidacy to be the best '9' in the world is stronger than ever.

Indeed, Gyökeres is in sublime form and enjoying a notable romance with goals. This was evident in his latest appearance for the Swedish national team during matchday six of the UEFA Nations League C, where Sweden crushed Azerbaijan with a 6-0 victory. What did Viktor do in this match? Nothing less than scoring an impressive four goals, once again demonstrating his overwhelming scoring prowess.

Moreover, in the game prior to the Azerbaijan clash, which took place during matchday five of the UEFA Nations League C, he also had a chance to make his mark on the scoresheet. In the match against Slovakia (2-1), he was the one to score the opening goal in a 1-0 victory.

Viktor Gyökeres' Impressive Stats in the 2024-25 Season So Far

Based on this premise, Gyökeres concluded the November international break, the last of 2024, with a total of five goals. Adding these to his previous appearances with the Swedish national team in the Nations League C in 2024, he has now scored a total of nine goals for his national team, emerging as the top scorer in this initial phase of the competition, closely followed by Erling Haaland with seven goals. Interestingly, he also leads the tournament in assists with a total of five.

These records only serve to embellish the stats of a Viktor Gyökeres who, up to this point in the 2024-25 season, has amassed a total of 32 goals, primarily at the club level. With Sporting Club de Portugal, he has scored a total of 23 goals, positioning himself as the current 'Pichichi' of the Primeira Liga with 16 goals in 11 matches, creating a significant gap between him and his closest pursuers, Samuel Aghehowa and Wenderson Galeno from Porto, who have eight goals each.

Not only that, Gyökeres is also the top scorer in the ongoing UEFA Champions League season, tied with five goals alongside the 'killer' from FC Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski. Additionally, he is contending for the top scorer position in the Allianz Cup (Portuguese League Cup) with Vangelis Pavlidis from SL Benfica, both having scored two goals.

Will Barcelona Pursue His Signing in 2025?

These records clearly illustrate why Gyökeres has become an inevitable goal-scoring reference in Europe, a forward who is fully engaged in the battle for the 2024-25 Golden Boot and who, if he continues on this trajectory, will likely have a historic season in terms of goals, undoubtedly propelling him towards a top-tier club.

This potential move seems imminent, albeit financially complex, given his €100 million release clause. However, Sporting Club de Portugal might be willing to negotiate for a fee closer to €75 million. Will Barcelona make a move for his signing? Only time will tell, but it seems like a near 'obligatory' acquisition to explore.