Barcelona are considering a late transfer swoop for Sporting Lisbon’s Portugal international Gonçalo Inácio, with head coach Hansi Flick pushing for reinforcements after defensive struggles in La Liga.
Barcelona’s Defensive Concerns
Barcelona edged Levante 3-2 in their recent La Liga clash, but the first-half defending raised alarms. Ronald Araújo and Pau Cubarsí looked shaky as a pairing, prompting Hansi Flick to consider reinforcements.
The departure of Íñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr has left the Catalan giants short in central defence. While Flick previously suggested Gerard Martin could cover at the back, the German coach is reportedly eager for a natural centre-back signing.
Gonçalo Inácio – Flick’s Preferred Target
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are weighing up a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Gonçalo Inácio, who is seen as Flick’s favourite option. The 22-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Sporting, scoring 21 goals and providing 14 assists, while also earning 16 caps for Portugal.
Other names on the radar include Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, but Inácio appears the most attainable before the transfer window closes.
Competition and Cost
Manchester United and Liverpool have both been linked with Inácio, but neither Premier League side is expected to move this summer. Sporting are reportedly open to a deal around €45m (£39m) despite the defender having two years left on his contract.
To fund the move, Barcelona could sanction the sale of Fermín López, who has drawn interest from Chelsea. That would clear budget space to register a new arrival under La Liga’s financial rules.