Manchester United are eyeing a loan move to sign Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio for Ruben Amorim, according to Football Transfers.
The Red Devils have had a quiet transfer window so far with only Matheus Cunha arriving as the team returned for pre-season this week, while talks are ongoing to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo too.
But the club are now eyeing a move to reunite their manager with a stalwart from his time in Lisbon, and INEOS are looking to be creative to get a deal over the line.
Man Utd Want to Sign Goncalo Inacio
Club eyeing loan with obligation to buy
Inacio Sporting
Inacio, who has been described as 'one of the best defenders in Europe, has been a key member of the Sporting side that has won the Portuguese top flight in the last two seasons, and was a regular under Amorim during his time in Portugal.
Now Man Utd are keen to bring him to the Premier League, and according to a report are looking into approaching the Portuguese club about a loan with an obligation to buy for the central defender.
INEOS have been open about their financial issues since taking over the football operations at Old Trafford, and now they are set to make an offer to sign Inacio on an initial loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent next summer for £34.5m.
Goncalo Inacio's Sporting Lisbon Stats (2024/25 Primeira Liga)
Games
Goals
Assists
Goal-creating actions
Minutes played
The 23-year-old has attracted interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund too, and while Sporting have previously been against a sale it's believed they are more open to offers this summer.
United hold an advantage in the race because of the player's relationship with Amorim, and his experience and knowledge of the system could see him become an integral part of the team at Old Trafford should the move happen.
His current contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium expires in 2027, which could see United able to make a deal for the Portugal international.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 09/07/2025.
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