Liverpool have been linked to Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio for many months now. As reported by Caughtoffside, the Premier League are also making progress in negotiations to sign the centre-back ahead of next season.
Goncalo Inacio’s rising curve
Goncalo Inacio came through the ranks of Sporting Academy. He earned his first senior team call-up in 2020 but had to wait to make his debut. Once he started getting more opportunities, he impressed everyone with his solid performances.
Inacio is an integral part of the team’s setup. He featured in 49 games this season, scoring four goals and providing an assist. He averaged 1.4 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, and 2 clearances per game (stats via whoscored).
The Portuguese defender plays as a centre-back but can also operate in wide areas. He is comfortable on the ball and makes some good passes. He positions himself well and takes one-on-one situations with confidence. The only area where the player lacks is aerial dominance.
A future leader of Liverpool?
Signing a quality centre-back is one of the top priorities for Liverpool this summer. As Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30 and his future is uncertain at Anfield, the club need someone to fill his big shoes. Moreover, Joel Matip has also departed as a free agent.
Hence, the Reds have their eyes on Goncalo Inacio, who could be a star in the making. He has great potential and his aggressive nature will help the backline. The maturity he has been showing at such a young kid is remarkably impressive.
Going forward, the 22-year-old has also stood a chance of leading the defensive line of Liverpool. For now, the good news for the English outfit is that Sporting CP are reportedly willing to offload the player for a discounted price. It means he will be available for less than his €60m release clause.
