Manchester United ‘threatened’ to activate the release clause in the contract of Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, according to Correio da Manha (page 31).
The Red Devils were linked with several top-class players during the winter transfer window. Inacio was one of those mentioned at the start of the year.
United failed to make any signings in the end due to Financial Fair Play issues, but Correio da Manha surprisingly claim that they could have signed Inacio.
They state that United were one of the clubs who ‘threatened’ to activate his €60 million buy-out clause, but a move did not materialise, much to the relief of manager Ruben Amorim.
United were never interested in signing Inacio this winter
Inacio has been linked with the Red Devils for some period of time. The 22-year-old was on the club’s radar in 2022 before they signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
The Portugal international has continued to be highlighted as a target. In our view, the speculation could be agent-driven. United’s name is being used to attract other suitors.
United could not even afford a winter loan signing due to FFP issues, and it is unlikely that they would have contemplated paying €60m to secure Inacio’s signature.
The Red Devils could pursue a marquee centre-back this summer but as said previously, we would prefer the club to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting instead.
Diomande is currently one of the most sought-after central defenders. He is a strong passer of the ball, likes to engage in tackles, duels and has good recovery pace.
The 20-year-old has a release clause worth €80m in his deal. He would be an ideal replacement for Raphael Varane than Inacio, who is a left-footed centre-back.
United manager Erik ten Hag likes to play with just one left-footed central defender in the XI. If Inacio signs, he could end up on the bench due to fierce competition from Lisandro Martinez.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
