In a recent report, Defensa Central claimed that Real Madrid are set to rival Liverpool for Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio. It has been stated that Los Blancos are eyeing a move to secure the services of the Portuguese centre-back next year.
Inacio’s Impressive Run Of Form In Portuguese Football
Inacio has made a solid start to this campaign after he put in a series of impressive displays at the heart of Sporting’s backline. The 22-year-old has been involved in ten matches for the Portuguese outfit this season, receiving four yellow cards in the process across all fronts.
The Portuguese talent has been a rock at the back and has done well to average 1.1 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 2.4 clearances per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from inside his half based on his pass completion rate of 89% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Portuguese club will expire in the summer of 2027. Thus, it won’t be easy for Real Madrid to sign him on the cheap. Still, there is no denying that Inacio is destined to have a bright future in European football which makes him a worthy target for Los Blancos to pursue next year.
What Will Inacio Bring To Real Madrid?
Inacio can read the danger well to secure the ball back for his side inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back.
Standing at 1.85m, the Portuguese defensive ace can be a strong presence in the air as well. However, he is still unproven at the highest level and would need time to settle into life at Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti can find a way to win the race for his services in 2024.
Inacio will bring more bite and steel to Los Blancos‘ defence. At 22, he has the potential to become a world-class central defender in the coming seasons. Therefore, the Madrid giants should focus on trying everything in their power to lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this January or at the end of this campaign.
