Barcelona transfer news: Goncalo Inacio truth 'revealed' as La Liga champions are linked with £51m Sporting Lisbon star

By Matt Law | 24 Aug 2026 16:25

Inacio truth 'revealed' as Barca are linked with £51m Sporting star

Barcelona are allegedly not close to signing Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio despite the recent speculation surrounding the Portugal international.

Inacio has long been linked with a move away from Sporting, with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal among the clubs said to be keen on the centre-back.

Barcelona are also thought to be interested, and recent reports have claimed that the La Liga champions are advancing on a potential deal for the 24-year-old.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Hansi Flick's team are not closing in on a move for the Portuguese.

"Nothing agreed, advanced or close for Goncalo Inacio to Barcelona despite reports this morning. Club sources playing down links with the defender," Romano posted on X.

Barcelona 'not closing in' on Inacio transfer

Inacio came through the youth system at Sporting, making his first-team debut for the Lisbon outfit in 2020, and he has now represented the club on 261 occasions, scoring 24 goals and registering 15 assists.

The centre-back has already made two appearances for Sporting in the league this season, while he has a contract with his current side until the summer of 2030.

However, there is a release clause of €60m (£51m) present in his deal at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Left-footed Inacio, who was part of the Portugal squad at the 2026 World Cup, has gained Champions League experience during his time at Sporting, featuring on 31 occasions in the competition.

Will Barcelona sign a centre-back before transfer window closes?

Barcelona had Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin at the heart of their defence for Sunday's 2026-27 La Liga opener against Elche, as Pau Cubarsi is still building his fitness after helping Spain to win the 2026 World Cup.

Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde can also play in the middle of the back four, so it would be a surprise to see another centre-back move to Camp Nou before the transfer deadline.

However, the Catalan outfit are still keen to bring in a new number nine, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez remaining their number one target in the final third of the field.