Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio before the end of this summer's transfer window.
The La Liga champions were given a scare against Levante in La Liga on Saturday, conceding twice in the first period, but they did manage to turn the game around in the second period to record a 3-2 win.
The manner of Barcelona's defending is believed to have seriously concerned head coach Hansi Flick, though, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi far from convincing as a centre-back pair.
The Catalan giants have allowed Inigo Martinez to join Al-Nassr this summer, meaning that they are a player down in the middle of their defence despite Flick recently insisting that Gerard Martin can play in that area.
"No, to be honest, no. Gerard can also play in this position, and that’s something I really appreciate. He played fantastically this season and has also done well as a central defender this pre-season," Flick told reporters earlier this month when asked whether he was concerned about his centre-back options.
Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio on March 9, 2025
Barcelona 'eyeing' centre-back move
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are giving serious consideration to moving for a new centre-back, and Sporting's Inacio has emerged as a genuine option for the club.
The report claims that Nottingham Forest's Murillo and RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba are also admired, but a move for Inacio is more likely due to his apparent availability late in the window, while he is believed to be Flick's favourite.
Manchester United and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the Portugal international, but neither Premier League club will be moving for him in the current market.
Inacio has scored 21 goals and registered 14 assists in 217 appearances for Sporting in all competitions, while he has been capped on 16 occasions by the Portuguese national team.
Manchester City's Phil Foden and Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio pictured on March 9, 2022
How much would Sporting defender Inacio cost?
Earlier this year, it was reported that Sporting would be prepared to sell Inacio for €45m (£39m) this summer, representing a bargain considering that he has another two years left to run on his contract.
Barcelona could allegedly sell Fermin Lopez before the end of the transfer window, with Chelsea interested, which would open up space in the budget to sign and indeed register Inacio.
Araujo's early-season performances have reportedly caused panic among senior figures at the club, but Jules Kounde is another option, with the France international currently out of the side due to Eric Garcia's form.
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