Manchester United have made an enquiry into the signing of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, according to ABola.
The Red Devils have had a quiet summer transfer window so far despite a number of links to players in several positions, with Matheus Cunha the only arrival while Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen are the only notable departures after their releases.
But while the attack is considered the priority area to strengthen for Ruben Amorim as things stand, the Portuguese coach is keen on a reunion with one of his former stars from Lisbon in the defence.
Man Utd Make Enquiry for Inacio
Sporting open to a deal worth £43m
Inacio, who has been described as ‘one of the best defenders in Europe’, was a key member of the Sporting side that won the Portuguese league under Amorim, and the manager is now looking at bringing him to the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Sporting would ideally like to keep him at the club for another season as they look to win a third consecutive league title, and are planning on offering him a new contract should he still be at the club once the transfer window closes.
However, the player is attracting big interest from Europe and Man Utd have made an enquiry about adding him to Amorim’s squad. Borussia Dortmund have also shown an interest but after failing to agree a fee with Sporting in January, their interest has since cooled.
Goncalo Inacio’s Sporting Lisbon Stats (2024/25 Primeira Liga)
Games
28
Goals
3
Assists
2
Goal-creating actions
5
Minutes played
2,255
But that asking price has now risen further, with Sporting demanding €50m (£43m) to allow the Portugal international to depart. With just two years remaining on his contract, United are likely to want to pay less though.
Reports emerged this week that the Reds are plotting a loan-to-buy bid for the central defender, with an obligation to make the deal permanent for £34.5m, but it remains to be seen if Sporting would be open to such a deal.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 11/07/2025.
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