FC Barcelona to activate staggering €80m swoop on a key Sporting CP defender to deliver Hansi Flick’s dream signing.
The Blaugrana, leading La Liga but stretched thin at centre-back after heavy minutes on Pau Cubarsí and Andreas Christensen’s dip, view the Portuguese powerhouse’s asset as a perfect blend of youth, left-footed precision, and aerial dominance.
Fichajes reports Deco has been spying on the player closely, with initial scouting missions confirming his fit for Barcelona’s high-line gegenpress.
That defender is Gonçalo Inácio, the 23-year-old Portuguese international whose seamless ball-playing, 1v1 mastery, and progressive passing have made him indispensable at Sporting, anchoring their Primeira Liga title charge.
Acquired for €30m from Braga in 2022, Inácio’s value has doubled amid links to Manchester United and Liverpool, but Barcelona leads the race thanks to Deco’s personal advocacy and the player’s admiration for Flick’s Bayern blueprint.
With 60+ senior outings and Euro 2024 experience, he promises instant impact as Iñigo Martínez’s successor.
Deco’s obsession stems from Inácio’s elite metrics: top percentile in switches, duels won (68%), and defensive actions per 90, mirroring Ronald Araújo’s profile but with natural left-foot balance.
Sporting demand €70m upfront – no add-ons – but Barça eye a player swap involving fringe assets like Eric García or funds from Saudi sales.
Inácio’s €45m release clause expired last summer, yet his camp welcomes Camp Nou talks, drawn by Champions League pedigree and Catalan lifestyle.
For Flick, Inácio slots as Cubarsí’s long-term partner, easing rotation woes post-Atletico Copa meltdown.
Financially, the outlay tests La Liga’s 1:1 rule, but Deco banks on presidential election clarity and Rashford’s integration unlocking levers.
Rivals lurk, but Barcelona’s proactive spying gives them pole position.
Sealing this would cap Deco’s shrewd window, blending ambition with sustainability – a €70m coup transforming defensive stability into title dominance.
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