Liverpool have been told the bargain price they must pay to land top defensive target Goncalo Inacio in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool will not have to match Goncalo Inacio’s exit clause amounting to £51 million to strike an agreement. Instead, the 22-year-old can now be signed for a cut-price fee of £40 million.
The Reds focused last summer primarily on rebuilding their midfield, and while they currently appear to be well-stocked in that department, more acquisitions are required all across the pitch at the end of the season.
Centre-back looks like a key position to reinforce, not only because Joel Matip is likely to leave when his contract runs out but also due to Ibrahima Konate’s constant battle to stay fit for long periods and Virgil van Dijk not getting any younger at 32 years old.
Sporting CP defensive ace Goncalo Inacio has been continually linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, with several reports swirling around during the season.
The 22-year-old is seen as one of Europe’s leading young defenders, playing a key role in his side’s likely soon-to-be title-winning campaign in the Primeira Liga.
Goncalo Inacio for £40 million is a bargain in the making for Liverpool
Perhaps the biggest immediate advantage for the Reds is the fact that he could join alongside Ruben Amorim, with the Sporting boss the red-hot favourite to be Jurgen Klopp’s successor this summer. The pair know each other so well, meaning it could be a smooth adjustment for both.
Inacio is already a regular on the Portugal national team, where he plays alongside top Premier League stars such as Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias.
As a left-footed centre-half, Inacio can provide balance to Liverpool’s backline. He’s on his way to becoming an elite defender who is not only comfortable playing out from the back but is also strong and can deal with top-quality forwards.
Given Inacio’s preferred foot, Amorim will make him the successor to Liverpool hero Van Dijk.
The Dutchman remains one of the best defenders in the world, though Liverpool should have a ready-made succession plan as he’s now 32 years old.
Van Dijk’s future is also doubtful amid recent Saudi Pro League links, though he is likely to pen a contract extension that will keep him at Liverpool beyond summer 2025.
Should this happen, then Inacio would be able to learn from Van Dijk for a couple of seasons before eventually forming a solid centre-back partnership with Ibrahima Konate. The fact that he could be picked up for as little as £40 million makes it a no-brainer in this hyper-inflated transfer market.
