Leonino exclusive - Despite exits, one Sporting starter is untouchable | OneFootball

Sporting do not intend to open the door for Gonçalo Inácio’s departure in this summer transfer window and consider the centre-back a key player in the green-and-white project led by Rui Borges, Leonino has learned.

According to what our newspaper has found out, the left-footed defender is seen as one of the pillars of the squad and, despite the various changes expected in this window, only an offer that triggers the €60 million release clause could take the Portuguese international away from Alvalade.

Frederico Varandas believes the squad has already undergone enough changes and does not want to lose another player regarded as essential. After the departures of Morten Hjulmand to Atlético Madrid and Francisco Trincão to Al Ahli, in addition to the likely farewell of Pedro Gonçalves, the priority is now to keep a strong core for the coach to build the new team around.

The 24-year-old defender still plays a leadership role in the dressing room and is valued for his quality on the ball, ability to build from the back and strong attacking aerial game. Despite the interest he has attracted on the market over the last few seasons, the Club is not willing to negotiate below the figures set out in the contract.

In the 2025/26 season, Gonçalo Inácio - valued at €40 million - was once again one of Sporting’s key players. The green-and-white centre-back totalled 4,006 minutes in 46 matches, in which he managed three goals and three assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.