Barça loses another center-back in the market: Gonçalo Inácio renews with Sporting CP

FC Barcelona has lost one of the 'low cost' options the Barça board was considering to strengthen the center of defense in the upcoming summer transfer window. Sporting CP has closed the renewal of Gonçalo Inácio for three more seasons, until the summer of 2030, although the 24-year-old center-back will continue to have an affordable release clause.

Inácio has established himself in the Portuguese national team led by Roberto Martínez, alongside Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga. Furthermore, the Almada native is a key player for the Lisbon side, with whom he has already won three league titles in his country.

In this regard, Deco saw Gonçalo as the ideal replacement for Iñigo Martínez, whose departure has left a void on the left side of the Barça defense that only recently, in recent weeks, **Gerard Martín** has managed to fill.

Gonçalo Inácio's clause still gives Barça hope

Pau Cubarsí has not fared well so far as a second center-back paired with Eric García or Ronald Araujo. Although the option of going for another center-back in January is unlikely, the scenario for next summer will be very different, with greater financial solvency and less trouble with 'Fair Play'.

In this regard, Gonçalo Inácio was emerging as a very interesting alternative, given the possibility of negotiating a transfer in the region of 40-45 million euros, one year before his contract ends.

Now, after his renewal, Sporting is closing the door on his departure, which could only happen through his buyout clause. In Portugal, various media outlets assure that this was set at 60 'kilos'. An affordable price, considering the defender's age (he turned 24 last August) and his fantastic potential.

Gonçalo Inácio: A Reliable Bet for Barcelona, but Subject to Variables

Inácio maintains a pass completion rate of over 90% with Sporting, with whom he already has a couple of assists in 19 games (1,710 minutes) this season. Along with his security in ball progression, the Almada native is a guarantee in one-on-one duels, where he averages 67% effectiveness in 25/26.

If they decide to sign another 'top' center-back, the Portuguese player will remain one of Deco's preferred options, awaiting what happens with **Andreas Christensen** (whose contract ends in June) and Ronald Araujo, who remains sidelined from the squad while resolving his emotional and confidence issues.

The role of **Gerard Martín** in the second half of the season will also be key, as will that of Eric García. Both have established themselves in recent weeks in alternative positions and, in the case of the player from Martorell, he has already renewed until 2031

For now, the team continues to concede many goals (1.40 per game), but Flick is satisfied with the available players and their response to the adjustments made in recent weeks.

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