Portugal’s Radio Renascença today features quite an interesting story on Newcastle United’s interest in Gonçalo Inácio.
According to their report, the Magpies have edged away from a potential deal as a result of opinion from their scouting team.
It’s said that Newcastle’s staff see no evolution in the player, and ‘refuse to go crazy’ to take him from Sporting.
Even though the Magpies have watched Inácio for years, they first chose to go for Lille’s Sven Botman instead, and now see the Portuguese as too expensive to be the Dutchman’s backup option.
Radio Renascença learned that people at Newcastle believe the Sporting defender hasn’t shown a big evolution in the past couple of seasons, especially due to the lack of a ‘competitive context’.
“I don’t agree. Gonçalo Inácio was in the Under-23s three seasons ago and has been almost an undisputed starter for the last two years and already has a national team career. He has progressively developed in the various aspects that are part of a player’s growth. Whoever made that analysis didn’t evaluate what Gonçalo Inácio was and what he is now.”
The coach went on to say the defender could actually fit perfectly in Newcastle’s team.
“If he’s playing for a team that requires constant transitions, he might have difficulties, but for a team that likes to play out wide and build up play from defence, Gonçalo Inácio has space in English football. I think he has space at Newcastle.”
Now, regardless of his opinion, it seems Newcastle won’t be moving for Inácio anytime soon, unless he shows something huge this season.
