Barcelona sporting director Deco targets Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio in transfer surprise

Barcelona sporting director Deco is exploring an unexpected move for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio as he looks to strengthen the Catalan club’s defence this summer.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Deco is considering a deal for the Portugal international at a time when much of the transfer market’s attention is focused on Barcelona’s search for an outright striker.

Inacio’s situation at Sporting CP has added to speculation over his future. The left-sided defender was surprisingly left on the bench for the club’s third Portuguese league match against Alverca, with manager Rui Borges making the decision. That omission has been interpreted as a possible sign that the 24-year-old could be preparing to leave Lisbon.

The latest developments come amid growing reports linking Inacio with AC Milan. The Italian club is managed by Ruben Amorim, who played a significant role in helping the defender establish himself and reach a high level during their time at Sporting CP. Amorim’s presence has therefore strengthened the possibility of a move to Milan.

However, Portuguese media have also raised the prospect of Barcelona attempting to sign Inacio. Television channel NOW has gone further by reporting that a deal for the defender could be close.

Inacio’s contract contains a €60m release clause, a figure Barcelona would be capable of paying. Sporting CP, though, are not keen to lose another important player after allowing Morten Hjulmand to join Atletico de Madrid and Ousmane Diomande to move to Nottingham Forest this summer.

The decision to leave the club captain out of the starting line-up for the match against Alverca could nevertheless suggest that Sporting CP’s plans for him have changed. Inacio’s absence was notable given his importance to the side and his status as one of the club’s leading defenders.

Sport also reports that Deco was in Lisbon this week, although the reason for his visit has not been made clear. His presence was initially associated with Colombia forward Luis Suarez, but Barcelona are not considering a move for Sporting CP’s striker.

Instead, the club’s interest in Inacio would fit with a desire to add another left-footed defender to the squad. The future of Alejandro Balde remains uncertain, and signing Inacio could also allow Gerard Martin to compete for the left-back position, where he would challenge Joao Cancelo.

Inacio’s versatility, experience and quality are viewed as further reasons for Barcelona to pursue the transfer. Although still only 24, he is already Sporting CP’s captain and has established himself at international level with Portugal.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has called Inacio up to represent the national team at the 2026 World Cup, underlining his status as one of the country’s prominent defensive options.

The possible move would represent a change of emphasis for Barcelona, with the club’s recruitment activity having been widely associated with the pursuit of attacking reinforcements. Deco’s reported interest in Inacio suggests that strengthening the back line is also a priority before the summer transfer window closes.