Goncalo Inacio is open to signing for Manchester United as he decides to leave Sporting CP in the summer for a career upgrade.
According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Manchester United were reportedly handed a boost in their pursuit of Goincalo Inacio. The 21-year-old Portuguese defender remains keen to join the Red Devils in the summer as he decides to leave Sporting CP for a bigger challenge.
Sporting CP have produced many top talents in recent years, and Goncalo Inacio is one of their latest rising stars. With some stellar performances in Portugal, the 21-year-old defender has decided to leave in the upcoming window.
Sporting wanted to tie the 21-year-old Portuguese defender down to a new deal, which would have increased his current release clause. The club wanted to bump up his €45 million clause to €60 million. Inacio was even positive about the new deal, but now he’s had a change of heart.
Now, Inacio wants to explore a new challenge since his agent remains aware of the growing interest. Newcastle United were the earlier entrant in the chase, but they may have switched their attention to other stars.
Liverpool were reportedly interested in him recently, but their rivals, Manchester United, now lead the chase. Inacio remains keen on signing for the Red Devils, who are intent on strengthening their central defensive ranks. They feel the 21-year-old Portuguese defender is the right profile to replace Harry Maguire.
The latter has endured a difficult period under Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager seeks a change of personnel in central defence. He cannot rely on Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for a whole season. Inacio is a young defender with a long, promising future and fits into Manchester United’s plans.
Inacio’s agent knows about this, and now they might wait for an offer to arrive. The €45 million release clause may prove a stumbling block in any potential move. Manchester United will look to negotiate the price down. Considering Sporting CP’s efforts to improve his contract, they will still demand the whole amount and may not settle for less.
Manchester United will want to pay a lower fee, but they might have to concede defeat in that aspect. They might have to pay the whole clause to sign the player and must do it earlier to avoid competition from rivals.
