The defensive issues of FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick this season have been well documented. The high line and offside trap that served them so well last year have not been able to hold off opposition attacks with the same consistency so far.
Injuries have certainly not helped the Catalan club’s cause. Coupled with Deco’s decision not to replace Inigo Martinez, which in hindsight looks extremely short-sighted, this has put Flick in a difficult position.
To strengthen their backline, Barcelona have been monitoring several centre-back targets in recent months. According to [Fichajes](https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/central-80-millones-mira-fc-barcelona-20251119.html), the Catalan club has stepped up its interest in Goncalo Inacio.
The 24-year-old Portuguese international is a left-footed defender who excels with his passing range. He has been a mainstay at Sporting CP and would be a perfect fit for Hansi Flick’s high line.
The operation remains complicated. Inacio’s current release clause stands at around €60 million, and Sporting are pushing to renew his contract and raise the figure to €80 million. His deal runs until 2027, which gives Barcelona room to negotiate, but any renewal in Lisbon would increase the financial challenge.
Despite this, the club continues to assess the situation carefully. Sporting are determined to protect one of their most promising players, and Barcelona must decide whether to move quickly before the price rises further.
Barcelona, considering their current financial landscape, needs to analyse whether Inacio fits their framework. There are alternatives, such as [Nico Schlotterbeck](https://semprebarca.com/topics/nico-schlotterbeck/) or Marc Guehi, who have more favourable contractual situations, and we will have to wait and see how things play out.