Manchester United’s challenging start to the season has raised concerns about their defensive stability. While they showed promise last season under the management of Erik ten Hag, the team seems to have regressed. To address these issues, it’s expected that the club will focus on strengthening their squad in the upcoming transfer windows. Interestingly, one of their potential targets is also drawing interest from Real Madrid.
The heart of Manchester United’s defense has been plagued by injuries this season, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans forming the central duo in a recent match against Manchester City. Given their struggles, it’s no surprise that the club is exploring options to reinforce their defense, and one of these options has reportedly caught the attention of Real Madrid.
Goncalo Inacio, a talented Portuguese center-back currently playing for Sporting Lisbon, has emerged as a sought-after prospect. The 22-year-old has not only made an impact at his club but has also been making waves in the Portuguese national team setup this year.
Inacio possesses qualities that align with Real Madrid’s typical transfer preferences, making him an appealing target for the Spanish giants. His current contract with Sporting Lisbon is reported to include a release clause of approximately €60 million, indicating that he won’t come cheap.
Real Madrid, like Manchester United, are also in need of long-term defensive solutions. Key defenders like Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Nacho Fernandez are all over 30 years old. Additionally, Eder Militao, another option for the center-back position, suffered an ACL injury earlier in the season, raising questions about his long-term fitness and performance.
Both Manchester United and Real Madrid seem keen on bolstering their defensive ranks, and the battle for Goncalo Inacio’s signature could be a compelling storyline to follow in the upcoming transfer windows. It remains to be seen which club will ultimately secure the promising Portuguese center-back.