Barcelona could beat Milan to Inacio after Sporting CP omission
Quick summary
Barcelona are reportedly poised to overtake AC Milan in the race for Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio, who has been left out of his club's squad.
Full article
Attributed to original sourcePortugal international Goncalo Inacio was left out of the Sporting CP squad for their league clash against Alverca on Saturday evening, adding to recent transfer speculation, but the latest updates indicate that Barcelona could beat Milan to the signing of the 24-year-old centre-back.
Could Barcelona beat Milan to Goncalo Inacio? Milan are among the clubs that have been linked with a potential move for Sporting defender Inacio.
The Rossoneri are on the hunt for another new centre-back before the close of the summer transfer window following Ruben Amorim’s decision to cut Fikayo Tomori from his squad. The Englishman has not been given a squad number for the 2026-27 season.
Inacio is one of the players that has been linked with a move to San Siro , especially given the recent links between Milan and Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes, who was also involved in the deals for Goncalo Ramos and Diego Moreira.
The speculation surrounding Inacio increased on Saturday when he was left out of the matchday squad for Sporting CP’s 3-1 league victory over Alverca on Saturday.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 15: #25 Goncalo of Sporting Clube de Portugal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Arsenal Stadium on April 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) However, according to reports from Diario Sport and Gianluca Di Marzio , it is not only Milan who are exploring a deal for Inacio, but also Barcelona, and it has been suggested that the defender’s absence on Saturday came as a result of the interest from Catalonia.
Inacio is reportedly valued in the region of €40m by his current employers.
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What happened
Sporting CP have left Gonçalo Inácio out of their squad, fueling speculation over his future. AC Milan have been heavily linked with the Portuguese centre-back, but Barcelona now appear to be in a stronger position to secure his signature. The defender's omission from the squad is seen as a clear signal that a move is being negotiated.
Chance analysis
Sporting CP's decision to leave Inácio out of their squad effectively puts the ball in the court of the clubs pursuing him. For Barcelona, adding a ball-playing centre-back would align with their long-standing interest in technically gifted defenders, while Milan risk losing a primary summer target. The timing suggests negotiations are advancing quickly, and the selling club is preparing for his departure.
If completed, Inácio would boost Barcelona's defensive options while Milan would lose a key defensive target, weakening their planned summer reinforcement.