(Football news) The 23-year-old has again been a strong performer for Sporting during the 2024-25 campaign, making 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering three assists in the process.
Inacio has a contract in Lisbon until June 2027, with his release clause set at €60m (£51.5m), but it is understood that the Portugal international will be able to leave for less during the summer market.
According to multiple reports, the Portuguese giants are prepared to sell the defender for €45m (£39m), making him a bargain in the upcoming market considering his quality and potential to get even better.
The report claims that Sporting will welcome offers for Inacio for financial reasons, and Manchester United ‘are one of the strongest candidates’ to secure his signature during this summer’s transfer window.
Sporting ‘open to offers’ for Manchester United-linked Inacio
Inacio came through the youth system at Sporting, progressing to first-team level in 2020, and he has represented the Green and Whites on 206 occasions in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and registering 12 assists in the process.
The centre-back has made 20 Champions League appearances during his time with Sporting, while he is also a 14-time Portugal international, featuring in both legs of his country’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Denmark last time out.
Borussia Dortmund are said to have made an approach to sign Inacio during the January transfer window, but the German outfit were unsuccessful in their pursuit, and it remains to be seen whether they reignite their interest this summer.
A number of other major clubs are also believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation, potentially sparking a scramble for his services during this summer’s transfer window.
Should Manchester United move for Inacio?
Manchester United are expected to move for a new centre-back during this summer’s transfer window, with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof both set to leave the club on free transfers at the end of June.
There has also recently been speculation surrounding Harry Maguire’s future, with the Red Devils believed to be open to offers for the experienced defender during the summer market.
Lisandro Martinez is likely to be out for the remainder of the year with a serious knee injury that he suffered in early 2025, so there will be space for a centre-back addition this summer, and at £39m, Inacio could represent one of the club’s best signings in recent history in terms of value for money.
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