LALIGA
Real Madrid aiming to sign Gonçalo Inácio in January: who is the Portuguese defender?
With Rüdiger, Alaba and Nacho the only fit centre-backs on the roster, Los Blancos have targeted the Sporting youngster.
Real Madrid are hoping to sign Sporting de Portugal’s Gonçalo Inácio in January as they look to strengthen in central defence. As has already been reported by AS, the 22-year-old has been on Los Blancos’ radar for several months, although they are now ready to firm up their interest with a move for the player.
Liverpool and Manchester United also interested
English duo Liverpool and Manchester United have also been keeping tabs on the Portuguese centre-back, with Madrid hoping that a January move could help them fend off competition from the Premier League giants, although they will go back in for him in the summer transfer window if they are unable to get him in winter.
Carlo Ancelotti short of options in central defence
After Eder Militão tore his ACL in mid-August, right at the start of the season, the LaLiga side opted not to sign a replacement and play through to January with David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger and Nacho as the only central defenders on the first-team roster. Bringing in reinforcements in January was always on the table, however, and the need for more depth in that area of the team became apparent at the start of October, when manager Carlo Ancelotti had no option but to field midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni at the back against Osasuna. The decision to go after Inácio stems from there.
How much would Los Blancos have to pay for Inácio?
The youngster is a key member of Rúben Amorim’s Sporting side, who are playing in the Europa League in 2023-24. In the face of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the Lisbon outfit extended Inácio’s contract last summer to 2027, increasing his buy-out clause from €45 million ($47.4 million) to €60 million ($63.2 million). However, that remains an affordable figure for Madrid, Liverpool and United, especially given his age and long-term prospects.
The signing of Inácio would fit Real Madrid’s policy of going after talented youngsters before they attract the intention of state-backed clubs, whose interest often leads to transfer fees being inflated. It is also thought the player himself would favour a move to the Spanish capital, following in the footsteps of compatriots and idols Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, who also came through the Sporting academy and went on to become Madrid legends.
Inácio’s impressive start with Portugal
Despite his tender years, Inácio is already a full Portuguese international and has become an important player for manager Roberto Martínez. The Spanish head coach gave him his national team debut in a Euro 2024 qualifying fixture against Liechtenstein in March, with the defender playing the full 90 minutes in a 4-0 win. He has made a total of four appearances for Portugal and even scored two goals, the most recent of which came in October’s 5-0 thrashing of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What kind of player is Gonçalo Inácio?
The 22-year-old is 1.85 metres tall and is naturally left footed. He has regularly been praised for his ability on the ball and to play accurate long passes in behind the opposition defence.