When asked about the striker's absence, who is seeking to leave the club, Varandas commended the club's defense's interests and reiterated his belief that the matter will be settled.

"We remain composed. Everything will be sorted out with the market's closure, a significant fine, and an apology to the team," the Sporting president stated.

Gyokeres, the top scorer in the league for the past two seasons, has been at the center of a transfer tug-of-war, with ongoing interest from English club Arsenal being frequently reported.

"If they refuse to pay the fair market price for Viktor (Gyokeres), we are very comfortable with that for the next three years," emphasized Varandas.

The 27-year-old forward joined the Lisbon club at the beginning of the 2023/24 season from English team Coventry for 20 million euros (ME), signing a contract until 2027/28 with a 100 ME buyout clause.

"If those who are devising this strategy believe it will pressure me to facilitate his departure, they are not only completely mistaken but also complicating the player's exit. No one is above the club's interests. Whoever they may be," Varandas told Lusa.

Gyökeres missed this Saturday's presentation to Sporting's first team, which traveled to Lagos, where they will conduct their pre-season training camp until July 22nd.

During their time in the southern part of the country, the team led by Rui Borges will play two private matches, against Scottish club Celtic on Wednesday and English club Sunderland on the 21st, both at the Algarve Stadium.

The Lions will face Villarreal on the 25th in the Five Violins Trophy at the Estadio Nacional in Oeiras, due to renovations at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, before their first official match of the 2025/26 season against rivals Benfica on the 31st, again at the Estadio Algarve, for the Candido de Oliveira Super Cup.