TRANSFER NEWS
AC Milan maintain interest in Gonçalo Inácio as Sporting valuation complicates deal
AC Milan remain interested in Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio, but no agreement has been reached and Sporting’s valuation continues to make a deal difficult.
AC Milan remain interested in signing Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio as the Serie A club continue to assess options for strengthening their back line before the transfer window closes.
The Portugal international remains high on Milan’s defensive shortlist, although no agreement has been reached with Sporting and negotiations have not advanced to the point of an imminent transfer.
Inácio’s situation presents a significant financial challenge. The 24-year-old recently extended his contract with Sporting until 2030 and has a release clause worth around €60 million. Reports in Italy and Portugal suggest Sporting would demand a substantial fee to sanction his departure, with a valuation above €40 million likely to complicate Milan’s efforts.
The defender is understood to be aware of Milan’s interest and open to considering a move to Serie A should the clubs enter more concrete negotiations. There is, however, no indication at this stage that personal terms have been agreed or that Inácio has asked Sporting to allow him to leave.
Milan’s interest is not new. Inácio has been monitored as part of the club’s search for another centre-back, with his ability to operate on the left side of defence and contribute in possession fitting the profile being considered by the Rossoneri.
A product of Sporting’s academy, Inácio has developed into a key figure for the Portuguese club and has accumulated significant experience in domestic and European competition. He has also established himself at senior international level with Portugal.
With Sporting in a strong contractual position, Milan would need to decide whether to commit a significant part of their remaining transfer budget to the deal or pursue an alternative defensive target.
For now, Inácio should be regarded as an active target rather than a player close to joining Milan. The interest remains concrete, but a substantial gap still needs to be bridged before the potential transfer can move towards completion.