Victor Gyökeres has finally shed light on the much-discussed decision that saw him pick Manchester United over Chelsea — and his reasoning has caught everyone off guard. While many expected names like Bruno Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho to be behind his move to Old Trafford, the Swedish striker surprised everyone by naming Diogo Dalot as the key figure who sealed the deal.
Gyökeres had been a hot property in the transfer market, with Chelsea making an aggressive push to lure him to Stamford Bridge. However, despite their determined pursuit and hefty investments in attackers in recent windows, something essential was missing for the prolific forward. In a frank conversation with The Football Voice, he explained how Chelsea lacked a specific type of player — someone who could consistently deliver crosses and decisive passes in the final third. For a striker who thrives on regular service from the wings and deep positions, that absence was a dealbreaker.
The person who changed everything for him was none other than Dalot. Gyökeres admitted that watching the Portuguese fullback’s performances last season made his choice an easy one. He praised Dalot’s ability to read the game, find pockets of space, and deliver pinpoint crosses — the exact qualities Gyökeres values most as a striker. He even went as far as to say that teaming up with Dalot would make his ambitious target of 40 goal contributions next season a realistic goal, not just a hopeful dream.
Known for his direct and no-nonsense approach, Gyökeres left no room for doubt about how thoroughly he weighed his options before making his move. He emphasized that he’s not the type to rely on fortune, preferring to study the players around him and the systems they operate in. And while Chelsea may boast big-money signings and plenty of individual talent, Gyökeres felt there was no one capable of providing the consistent service he craves. In contrast, Manchester United — with Dalot delivering from the flank — offered him a connection he believed could instantly click.
The excitement among United fans is already building as they anticipate what this new attacking partnership might bring. After tallying an impressive 43 goal contributions in Portugal last season, Gyökeres is aiming even higher with his sights now set on conquering the Premier League. If Dalot maintains his strong form and the chemistry materializes on the pitch, the pair could prove to be a nightmare for defenders.
Meanwhile, Chelsea supporters are left to reflect on what might have been. Despite all their recent spending sprees, Gyökeres’ comments hint at deeper issues within their attacking framework — an area lacking cohesion and clear supply lines for strikers to thrive. It’s a pointed reminder that star power alone doesn’t guarantee success if the pieces don’t fit together.
In a transfer window filled with hefty fees and headline-grabbing moves, this one stands out for its football-first logic. Gyökeres didn’t chase a bigger paycheck or a more glamorous name — he chased chemistry, tactical fit, and service. And if his bold prediction of hitting 40 goal involvements comes true, Manchester United might have quietly pulled off one of the smartest signings of the summer.
