Liverpool are reportedly renewing their interest in Sporting Lisbon’s central defender Goncalo Inacio, a name frequently linked to the club in recent transfer periods.
The Reds could be looking to shake up their defensive lineup, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain due to ongoing contract negotiations and Bayer Leverkusen’s rumored interest in Jarell Quansah.
If either defender departs, Liverpool may need an immediate replacement—and Inacio, already decorated with multiple trophies this year, could fit the bill.
Interest in Inacio Rekindled
According to O Jogo (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool are once again targeting 23-year-old Goncalo Inacio, who is also attracting attention from Manchester United and Newcastle.
Sporting Lisbon currently value him at around €60 million (£51.1 million), though there’s speculation that they might accept a slightly lower offer.
Potential Van Dijk Successor?
Scouted by Liverpool since the 2022/23 season, Inacio’s performances this year have been outstanding. He’s helped Sporting Lisbon secure a domestic double and was part of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League-winning squad.
Stats from FBref show he ranks in the top 5% of European centre-backs over the past year in several key areas:
- Non-penalty goals: 0.12 per match
- Non-penalty expected goals (xG): 0.1
- Shot-creating actions: 1.72
- Progressive passes: 7.34
- Assists: 0.08 (top 10%)
- Progressive carries: 1.28
Inacio’s composure, ball progression, and occasional goal-scoring mirror a young Virgil van Dijk. Signing him for around £50 million—or less—could prove to be a major win for the club.
Given potential changes in the defensive lineup, Liverpool might need to act fast. Inacio could be the ideal solution—and club director Richard Hughes is urged not to let such a talent slip away to rivals like Manchester United or Newcastle
