Erik ten Hag, Manchester United manager, has expanded their transfer list with four players with the help of Bruno Fernades’ agent in their quest to strengthen their backline for the upcoming summer transfer window, with Sporting CP’s defender Goncalo Inacio now in their transfer list.
This Portuguese defender was previously identified as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire earlier this year, but the transfer to West Ham fell through despite a £30 million agreement.
Erik ten Hag, remains committed to bolstering the defense next summer, especially after a lack of player exits during the recent transfer window. Notable departures included Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, and Teden Mengi. Additionally, fitness concerns for Raphael Varane and extended injury absences for Lisandro Martinez have intensified the club’s resolve to strengthen the backline.
The club’s transfer list for central defenders now comprises four players, including Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, who drew interest from United last summer in anticipation of Maguire’s departure. The list also includes Antonio Silva from Benfica and Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen.
Trending Stories: https://www.completesports.com/orban-attracting-interest-from-ac-milan/
Notably, Goncalo Inacio is represented by Miguel Pinho, who also serves as the agent for Bruno Fernandes. Pinho was instrumental in negotiating Fernandes’ transfer to Old Trafford in January 2020 and could facilitate another move between the two clubs. Competition for Inacio’s signature is expected to come from Newcastle and Liverpool.
Inacio, aged 22, has accumulated 129 first-team appearances for Sporting CP and is highly regarded within the club. Sporting has a history of nurturing young talents and selling them at substantial prices, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani, who joined United in previous years.
Given the fitness issues and injury setbacks of Varane and Martinez, coupled with uncertainties surrounding Maguire’s future at United, the pursuit of a central defender has gained momentum. Victor Lindelof’s form has been inconsistent, and Luke Shaw, who has filled in for the position, has faced a long-term injury.
Inacio’s left-footed style could bring balance to United’s defense and provide competition for Martinez on that side of the central defensive pairing. Todibo and Tapsoba have been under United’s scouting lens for several months, and Benfica’s Silva is highly rated.
During the recent summer transfer window, Benjamin Pavard was considered as a contingency plan amid doubts about Maguire’s future, but the versatile defender eventually joined Inter from Bayern Munich.
The potential signing of a new central defender could accelerate Maguire’s departure and raise questions about the long-term prospects of Lindelof and Varane at the club. While a January move is not expected, the club is keen to formulate a plan to prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window.
COMMENTS