Manchester United could face an FFP-shaped roadblock in their efforts to sign €60 million-rated Portuguese defender Goncalo Inacio.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United are facing an FFP roadblock in their pursuit of Gioncalo Inacio. The Portuguese defender’s €60 million release clause could cause an obstacle as Sporting CP will not accept anything other than the sum in full ahead of January.
Goncalo Inacio: The Story So Far
Goncalo Inacio has established himself as a solid defender in the past 18 months and broken through to the Portuguese national side. Sporting CP are aware of the growing interest from the Premier League and Spain but remain firm in their stance that the defender will stay at the club.
They have also tried to hand him a new contract, which would see them improve his €60 million release clause. However, the player may have figured out that any move to a bigger club with an increased exit clause could prove difficult, and so far, he seems content with his present terms.
A host of Premier League sides are keen on the defender, with Tottenham reviving their interest recently. There’s also admiration from Spain, as Real Madrid might consider moving in January after another injury loss, this time to David Alaba.
Incidentally, Inacio prefers a move to Real Madrid over other suitors. But he remains open to joining a Premier League club if that’s his only option. Liverpool are also in the mix, having scouted the defender earlier this month.
Manchester United are also in the race and could seek talks with Sporting to sign the defender. However, the report states the Red Devils are embroiled in FFP troubles, which could create a roadblock in their attempts to sign the €60 million-rated star owing to his release clause.
Can Manchester United sign Inacio despite FFP concerns?
Manchester United are interested in Inacio to improve their backline, which has been leaky this season. Lisandro Martinez has missed most of the season, and his return remains a mystery. While they have the financial means to bring the Sporting CP star, FFP limits could create a roadblock to sign him.
However, Manchester United took notice of Tottenham’s deal for Pedro Porro last January when they agreed on a loan deal with a mandatory clause to buy him in the summer. Arsenal are reportedly considering an offer of that kind to Sporting, and so far, they might be ahead in the hunt.
Manchester United will have the funds available in the summer, so signing someone like Inacio on loan now would make plenty of sense. FFP regulations have caused havoc to some of the top clubs. But there are ways in which teams can manoeuvre and make their move.
