Barcelona have suffered a setback in their search for defensive reinforcements, as one of their tracked centre-backs, Gonçalo Inacio, has opted to renew his contract with Sporting Lisbon until 2030...
Barcelona have suffered a setback in their search for defensive reinforcements, as one of their tracked centre-backs, Gonçalo Inacio, has opted to renew his contract with Sporting Lisbon until 2030.
The Portuguese defender had been on Barcelona’s radar for several months, with the club’s scouting department monitoring his development closely in anticipation of next year’s summer transfer window.
Inacio has long been admired internally due to his profile. A left-footed centre-back with strong distribution and significant experience in European competitions, he fit the mould of what Barça’s sporting management had been seeking.
However, he was never considered an immediate priority for Hansi Flick, who had other centre-back options ranked above him for next season.
Even so, the Catalan club viewed him as a valuable market opportunity, particularly because his previous contract was set to expire in 2027.
There is still an opportunity
Unfortunately, that opportunity has now faded. By signing a renewal until 2030, Inacio has effectively closed the door on a favourable deal for Barcelona.
Although his release clause remains unchanged at €60 million, the duration of his new contract strengthens Sporting Lisbon’s negotiating position.
Gonçalo Inácio renewed his contract until 2030! ✍ #MadeInSportingpic.twitter.com/1H4mrwRILx
— Sporting CP English (@SportingCP_en) December 11, 2025
For Barça, the fee is considered too high for a player who was not the top defensive target on their list.
Barcelona scouts had tracked him repeatedly, and Deco had received positive reports about his progress and adaptability.
At 24 years old, Inacio represented a profile with both present value and future upside.
Yet the contractual extension significantly alters the landscape, reducing the chances of Barcelona making any concrete approach in the near term.
Even so, the door has not been fully shut. Inacio’s camp has deliberately kept the €60 million clause in place, meaning a transfer remains technically possible.
Sporting Lisbon maintains excellent relations with Barcelona, which means discussions could reopen if circumstances change, but for now, the defender is off the table.
Category: General Sports
