As Stade Brestois prepares for a crucial Champions League play-off match against Paris Saint-Germain, a team they’ve already encountered twice this season, revelations have surfaced about a past transfer opportunity.
In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Brest’s sporting director, Gregory Lorenzi, disclosed a significant regret: the club’s near signing of Sporting CP’s prolific striker, Viktor Gyökeres.
Lorenzi admitted that Gyökeres was a player he wished he had signed. He mentioned being the only French sporting director to contact Gyökeres’ agent when the player was at Coventry City. Brest was willing to offer €4-5 million, but Gyökeres’ camp sought €8 million for the transfer.
Ultimately, Gyökeres joined Sporting Lisbon for €13 million. His estimated market value has since soared to around €75 million, according to Transfermarkt.