Man United battling it out with Liverpool for Gonçalo Inácio
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Manchester United are leading the race for the signature of Gonçalo Inácio alongside rival Premier League reds in Liverpool.
The Sporting academy graduate has become one of the hottest defensive properties in Europe ever since making his senior debut for the Leões four seasons ago.
With over 170 appearances for Sporting under his belt, Inácio is one of the first names on Rúben Amorim’s team sheet and was a key part of the side that lifted the 2023/24 Primeria Liga title in comfortable fashion.
Attracting serious interest, Sporting have told both United and Liverpool, and any other potential suitor coming in for him, that Inácio will not be available for any price under €60 million, which is the current release clause in his contract.
Unlikely to remain at Sporting past this summer, Inácio is currently in Germany with the Portugal national team preparing for the imminent UEFA Euro 2024.
Inácio would suit United but hard to convince him to ignore Liverpool
Gonçalo Inácio is a technically gifted player capable of playing centre-back, right-back, and even in midfield. Given the injury-ridden season they have had on top of their defensive frailties, it is understandable why United are in for him.
🔴🇵🇹 Manchester United and Liverpool have both been monitoring Gonçalo Inácio ahead of the summer transfer window.
at least one right-footed. pic.twitter.com/CvLU16GYBx— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2024
His release clause is worth €60m.
Man United are still discussing internally how many centre-backs they want to bring in — for sure,
But, in the face of competition from Liverpool, it’s hard to see how United could convince the Portugal international to move to Manchester and not Merseyside.
Despite entering a new managerial era themselves, Liverpool have demonstrated themselves to be football-savvy over the last decade, something United have spectacularly failed to do. More importantly, they have Champions League football to offer in the face of United’s turmoil, with the Old Trafford club yet to decide what to do with their managerial situation.
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At €60 million, Inácio would be an excellent pick-up for any team, but it’s hard to find a reasonable argument in terms of him moving to United.
