EXCLUSIVE: Sporting Lisbon in High-Stakes Contract Talks to Secure Gonçalo Inácio Amid Premier League Interest
Lisbon, Portugal – Sporting Clube de Portugal is locked in crucial negotiations with star defender Gonçalo Inácio over a new and improved contract, with a primary focus on significantly increasing his release clause, sources close to the club confirm to The Daily Chronicle.
The 22-year-old Portuguese international, whose current €60 million (£51.5m) buyout clause has made him a persistent target for Europe’s elite, is at the centre of a strategic move by the Lions to secure his long-term future and financial value.
The Core Negotiation
According to insiders, discussions are progressing positively. The key objective for Sporting’s administration, led by President Frederico Varandas, is to raise the existing €60 million release clause to a figure that more accurately reflects Inácio’s status as one of Europe’s most promising ball-playing centre-backs. The new clause is expected to be set at a level designed to deter all but the most serious suitors, potentially exceeding €80 million.
In return for committing his future, Inácio is set to receive a substantial salary increase, recognising his importance to manager Rúben Amorim’s system. Since his first-team breakthrough, Inácio has been indispensable, making over 150 appearances and winning a Primeira Liga title and two Taças da Liga.
The Persistent Premier League Shadow
The urgency of these talks is underscored by sustained interest from the English Premier League. Both Liverpool and Manchester United have consistently scouted Inácio, with their representatives reportedly monitoring the contract situation closely.
Liverpool’s interest is viewed as part of a long-term defensive restructuring, with Inácio’s left-footed profile and composure in possession highly appealing. Manchester United, under the new football regime of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, are also in the market for a foundational defender, and Inácio fits the profile of a young, technically gifted player with high re-sale value.
The current €60 million clause has been seen as a feasible, if not straightforward, investment for such clubs. Sporting’s move to elevate that figure is a direct attempt to control the narrative and the timing of any potential transfer.
Sporting’s Firm Stance
A club source emphasised the desire for stability: “The message is clear: Gonçalo is a pillar of this project. We are not a selling club in the traditional sense—we sell on our terms. The new contract is a statement of intent. We want to build a competitive team for the Champions League, and keeping players like Gonçalo is essential for that.”
The success of this strategy is well-established at Sporting. The club previously used contract renewals with increased release clauses to secure optimal fees for previous stars like Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Nunes, ensuring they maximised their value.
What Happens Next?
While all parties are optimistic about an agreement, the outcome of these negotiations will have significant ripple effects. A signed contract with a heightened clause would immediately cool the market, forcing interested clubs to reconsider their summer plans or prepare for a more substantial financial outlay.
For Gonçalo Inácio, the decision represents a balance between immediate security and prestige at his boyhood club, and the allure of a marquee move to one of world football’s biggest leagues.
As it stands, Sporting are pushing to finalise the deal before the summer window opens, aiming to remove any uncertainty and solidify their defensive cornerstone for seasons to come.
