Reds Revive Interest in £51m-Rated Inacio as Centre-Back Search Intensifies

Liverpool Reignite Pursuit of £51m-Rated Sporting Star Inacio

Liverpool have reignited their long-standing interest in Sporting CP’s highly-rated centre-back Goncalo Inacio, with reports suggesting the Portuguese defender could be available for a fee of £51 million (€60m) this summer.

The 22-year-old has been on the Reds’ radar for an extended period, with scouts closely monitoring his progress at Sporting for several months. Initial links emerged in March 2023, when reports surfaced that Liverpool were keeping tabs on Inacio alongside Benfica’s Antonio Silva.

While interest appeared to cool temporarily, with sources indicating that Inacio was not an active target at the time, Liverpool scouts were once again in attendance for the Lisbon derby in November, reigniting speculation about the club’s intentions.

The proposed appointment of Ruben Amorim as Liverpool’s head coach was expected to accelerate the pursuit of his former defender, but the arrival of Arne Slot instead did not deter the Reds’ interest in Inacio, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano took to Twitter on Monday, revealing that both Liverpool and Manchester United are “monitoring” the Portuguese international, who is reportedly available for €60 million (£51m) due to a release clause in his contract.

The renewed links come at a time when Liverpool are prioritizing the acquisition of a centre-back, following the departure of Joel Matip on a free transfer. With Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah, and the versatile Joe Gomez as their senior options, the Reds are keen to bolster their defensive ranks.

Inacio, a product of Sporting’s academy, has already amassed 171 appearances for the first team, including 49 outings in the most recent campaign. The left-footed defender is renowned for his composure on the ball, impressive tackling rates, and aerial prowess, making him an ideal candidate to eventually succeed Van Dijk as Liverpool’s left-sided center-back.

While there is no guarantee that Liverpool will make a concrete move for Inacio, the level of interest from the club appears significant, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle with Manchester United and other suitors for the highly-coveted Portuguese talent.