According to a report from Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are leading the race to secure the services of Portugal’s international defender, Goncalo Inacio, currently playing for Sporting Lisbon. The player is said to be available for a fee of £52 million. The Reds had previously been associated with Inacio last summer, but negotiations fell through. Now, they are facing competition from Real Madrid and Manchester United, both of whom are also keen on securing his signature during the January transfer window or at the end of this season.
Inacio’s Remarkable Form In Portuguese Football
Inacio has commenced the current campaign on a strong note, showcasing a string of impressive performances in Sporting’s defensive lineup. The 22-year-old has featured in ten matches for the Portuguese team this season, earning four yellow cards in various competitions.
The Portuguese talent has excelled as a defensive pillar, consistently averaging 1.1 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, and 2.4 clearances per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. Furthermore, he has demonstrated precision in his distribution from the defensive half, boasting an 89% pass completion rate in top-tier football (statistics sourced from whoscored).
His existing deal with the Portuguese club is set to conclude in the summer of 2027, which implies that Liverpool will need to present an enticing proposal to secure his signature.
Decent Fit for Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp?
Inacio displays a keen ability to anticipate and intercept danger, enabling his team to regain possession within his own half. He possesses the acumen to clear the ball when necessary and is adept at building up play from the defensive line.
Standing at a height of 1.85 meters, this Portuguese defensive talent is a formidable presence in aerial duels. However, it’s worth noting that he is yet to be tested at the highest echelons of the game, and should he join Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp might need to allow him time to adapt and settle into the team’s style in 2024.
Inacio promises to infuse Liverpool’s defense with added tenacity and resilience. At the age of 22, he carries immense potential and could evolve into a world-class central defender in the seasons ahead. Consequently, the Merseyside club should commit their efforts to securing his services either in January or at the culmination of this campaign.
