Who is Goncalo Inacio? The versatile centre-back linked to Man Utd and Liverpool

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 21 Feb 2024 16:43 GMT
• 5 min read

Goncalo Inacio has been linked to a Premier League switch for what seems like a lifetime.

The young defender is regularly in the media owing to his brilliant form, young age, and versatility.

AnfieldWatch reported that Liverpool made contact with his representatives, but there are bound to be more clubs keen on the 22-year-old.

The Sporting CP prodigy has a €60 million release clause inserted in his contract, and it’s believed that his current side won’t entertain offers below that amount.

But if a club were to meet the full clause, would it be worth it?

FootballTransfers takes a look at Inacio and just how good he is - and can be in the future.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

The Portuguese defender started his career with Almada in 2010 before he landed a spot at the Sporting CP academy in 2012.

Since his promotion to the first team, Inacio has swiftly emerged as a standout talent in Portugal, with 155 appearances already for the Portuguese giants, along with 15 goals to boot.

Inacio is left-footed which no doubt adds to his value and appeal - but it’s his ability to play at left-back and midfield which makes him a standout player.

During the 2022/23 season, Inacio made a remarkable 52 appearances across all competitions, contributing with four goals, three assists, and maintaining 19 clean sheets. In the subsequent summer, he was linked to a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Inacio makes a high volume of passes and has the ability to break the defensive line. He can also carry the ball into midfield, where he boasts a high number of goal contributions.

But Inacio is well-rounded and is also an astute defender too. He can tackle, interception, and is adept and winning headers. It’s his all-round game which makes him one of the hottest young prospects in Europe today. It’s why Sporting CP tied him down to fresh terms over the summer, to fend off a myriad of interest from abroad, namely the Premier League.

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A post shared by Gonçalo Inácio 🇵🇹 (@goncaloinacio_25)

What position does Goncalo Inacio play?

Inacio is used mainly as a centre-back but has been posed as a left-back and even in midfield.

What clubs are interested in Goncalo Inacio?

Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle have all registered interest in Inacio so far.

How old is Goncalo Inacio?

Inacio was born on 25, August 2001, making him 22 years old at the time of writing.

What is Goncalo Inacio’s Instagram?

Inacio’s Instagram is @goncaloinacio_25. He has 144k followers at the time of writing.