Latest developments
- Manchester United are interested in Sporting CP's Goncalo Ignacio.
- Ruben Amorim stated he wouldn't raid his former club in the transfer market.
- But United have held talks in a bid to seal a loan move.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): News broke in Portugal
Man Utd have held talks with Sporting CP in the hope of taking their centre-back, Goncalo Ignacio, on loan, despite Ruben Amorim previously stating United would not raid his former club in the transfer market.
United's interest was reported in Portuguese newspaper A Bola, with many outlets, including teamtalk.com, picking up the story.
Value (3/5): Even loan deal could be pricey
Capped 12 times by Portugal and attracting interest from Liverpool, Ignacio is a regular feature in the Sporting side and has a market value of £37.85 million.
To let him leave on loan, Sporting are likely to want a loan fee plus for United to cover a large percentage – if not all – of his wages, which could make things rather costly for the Red Devils.
Suitability (4/5): Amorim relationship an advantage
United need players who can work with the new system Amorim is implementing at Old Trafford, and who better than someone who has worked with him recently as part of his defensive three?
That said, the 23-year-old Sporting youth product lacks experience of playing in other leagues, and playing for United would be a big culture shock, with the Old Trafford fanbase expecting results week on week after a traumatic season so far.
Upgrade? (3/5): A regular starter?
A call-up for the Portugal squad at UEFA Euro 2024 shows just how highly he is regarded, and Amorim will naturally see him as an upgrade on the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
However, he will have to prove his worth in the Premier League if he can be considered a starter ahead of at least one of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, though Amorim's deployment of three centre-backs will help him out.
Logic (4/5): U-turn time
Critics will call this a U-turn, but United have to sign the players they think will be best for what they are trying to achieve.
Ignacio looks to be one such player, and if he is to reach his potential, he will have his sights set on a move to one of the elite European clubs.
Whisper+ verdict: 16.5/25
This move seems to be moving forward, and though it could be a pricey loan, it ticks a lot of boxes regarding what United are looking for.
