Liverpool could plot a January move for 21-year-old defender Goncalo Inacio as Jurgen Klopp targets a left-footed centre-back.
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool could approach Sporting CP for their 21-year-old defender Goncalo Inacio in January. The Portuguese star has been on Jurgen Klopp’s shortlist during the summer, but the Reds had other priorities in the last window.
Liverpool had a modest window at best despite bringing in some notable names in midfield to strengthen their squad. They did lose plenty of experienced personnel, with the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson visibly weakening them in the central areas.
Yet, the signings of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have made them look stronger, and they are currently in a better place after further arrivals before the window shut. Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch also joined the club, which may have offset the loss of many experienced stars.
However, amid all these midfield additions, Jurgen Klopp may have run out of time to finalise a move for a new defender. The German may have wanted a new left-footed centre-back to shore up his backline, with Liverpool the only team in the top six not to have a player of that profile.
Since the summer window shut, there have been links to many players. For instance, they are interested in West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd, but would he prove a cost-effective solution for the long term? Maybe the club are thinking along those lines, which has resulted in stories about signing some young players in the position.
Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is a target for Liverpool, but again, his young age and relative lack of experience would make it a risky signing. Klopp wants a player who he can shoehorn immediately into his first-team plans and start playing games at the highest levels.
Liverpool have retained an interest in Goncalo Inacio, and the latest on the Portuguese suggests the Reds are ready to plot a move in January. The 21-year-old defender knew of Liverpool’s interest during the summer but signed a new deal with Sporting. His release clause also increased to £51.5 million (€60m) from its previous figure of £33 million.
The price point seems reasonable for the 21-year-old defender and the experience he packs, but Liverpool are known to negotiate these terms. Moreover, the report insists the Reds have kept aside £60 million for a new defender during the next window, which may suit their chase of the 21-year-old defender from Sporting CP.
Inacio will add quality to a semi-ageing backline, as he could replace Virgil van Dijk in the long run. The 21-year-old defender will attract big interest from clubs, so Liverpool must swiftly agree on a deal if they want him in January.
