According to Sport, Barcelona's sporting director Deco is quietly working behind the scenes to push through the signing of Gonçalo Inácio, the defender with a €60 million release clause.

While all eyes on Barcelona's transfer market are fixed on finding a new striker, Deco is quietly pursuing less high-profile additions. One of those targets is the center-back position, and Barcelona's sporting director may be working behind the scenes to facilitate Gonçalo Inácio's arrival.

The left-footed center-back from Sporting CP was surprisingly benched in Primeira Liga's matchday three against Arouca—a decision by coach Rúben Amorim that outsiders interpreted as a signal the player could be leaving.

Recent reports have linked him with a move to AC Milan, particularly with Rúben Amorim, who coached the 24-year-old at Sporting, now managing at Milan. However, according to Portuguese outlet Now Canal, Portuguese media cannot rule out Barcelona also attempting to secure him, with a deal potentially finalized soon.

Affordable Release Clause

Gonçalo Inácio's contract includes a €60 million release clause—a reasonable fee for Barcelona. That said, Sporting CP has already allowed Hjulmand (to Atlético Madrid) and Diomande (to Nottingham Forest) to depart this summer and initially had no plans to sell further. However, the captain's recent benching suggests Sporting's stance in Lisbon may have shifted.

Deco visited Lisbon this week, though the purpose of his trip was not disclosed. Initially, it was speculated the visit concerned Sporting striker Luis Suárez, but Barcelona is not pursuing the Colombian forward for their number nine position. Deco's moves—consistent with his approach this transfer window—may serve another purpose: quietly advancing a deal for Gonçalo Inácio.

This strategy aligns perfectly with Barcelona's desire to sign another left-footed left-back. With Balde's future uncertain, Inácio's arrival could allow Gerard Martín to compete for the left-back role alongside João Cancelo. Additionally, the 24-year-old Sporting captain possesses natural leadership qualities and was included in Roberto Martínez's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In any case, Barcelona is unlikely to have a quiet end to the transfer window: beyond the striker signing still in progress, other positions, including defense, could see activity. Another surprise has been Barcelona's pre-emptive signing of Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković on a deal effective for the 2027-28 season. This once again demonstrates that Deco will leave no opportunity unexplored.

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