Hugo Viana reportedly wants Manchester City to sign highly-rated Sporting CP defensive duo Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio, targets for Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio are subjects of interest from Manchester City. Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is driving the Premier League club’s move for the Sporting CP centre-backs. Meanwhile, the highly-rated defensive duo is also on Real Madrid’s radar, with Los Blancos viewing them as alternatives to William Saliba.
The rise of Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio
Ousmane Diomande has quickly transformed into a top-class centre-back since joining Sporting CP from FC Midtjylland in January 2023. The Ivory Coast international has become a hot property in the market in the last 18 months, with several high-profile clubs setting their sights on him.
The 20-year-old defender’s centre-back partner Goncalo Inacio is also highly sought-after in the market after going from strength to strength in the last few years with the Sporting CP first team. The Portuguese international has turned out nearly 200 times thus far for the Lions while chipping in with 16 goals and 11 assists.
The duo’s exploits for Sporting CP have helped them become regulars for their national sides. In addition, they have emerged on the radar of European bigwigs, with Manchester City among their prospective suitors. In addition, they are top targets for Real Madrid.
Men in demand
Hugo Viana is driving Manchester City’s interest in Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio. The incoming sporting director oversaw the former’s arrival from FC Midtjylland while masterminding other brilliant signings in the last few years. So, after seeing the Sporting CP defensive duo up close and personal, it is hardly surprising that he wants Manchester City to sign them.
As for Real Madrid, Los Blancos will prioritise signing William Saliba from Arsenal next year. However, the reigning La Liga champions will keep their options open, with the two Sporting CP centre-backs emerging as alternatives to the French defender, who does not want to leave Arsenal anytime soon.
So, Diomande and Inacio are viable targets for Real Madrid, although they must step up quickly to beat Manchester City. With Hugo Viana driving the Premier League club’s move for the Sporting CP pair, Real Madrid will face a tough battle for their signatures.
