Goncalo Inacio is said to have turned down Newcastle’s advances a year ago while being aware of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid’s interest in him.
The Magpies have instead taken advantage of the chance to try their luck again with a different Sporting Lisbon defender in Ousmane Diomande, according to a piece written by Frederico Bartolo for O Jogo at the beginning of the week.
According to reports on Monday, “this move by Newcastle has similarities with the attempt, a year ago, to take Inácio.”
“Although the player’s release clause of €45 million—which was later raised to €60 million—was alluring, the deal fell through because Amorim needed the player, and the Portuguese central defender desired a project that would compete for championships given the increasing interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and, eventually, Real Madrid.
“At this time, Leonine SAD does not wish to sell any plants.”
Note that the Ivorian is also on the Reds’ transfer want list, but it looks like Jurgen Klopp’s team will wait until the summer to sign any long-term contracts.
Being cautious with FFP will encourage patience
It’s possible that the absence of transfer activity from many of the “Big Six” in January is not shocking given the recent revelations regarding the Premier League’s sustainability and profitability rules (PSR).
Everton may lose even more points for their troubles, and Manchester City will have to wait to find out when exactly they will be hearing 115 counts of suspected violations related to misdemeanours committed between 2009 and 2018.
In that scenario, we would anticipate that significant transactions would be postponed until the summer transfer window, by which time the landscape ought to be at least somewhat clearer.
