Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking for a left-footed center-back and could make a January deal for 21-year-old defender Goncalo Inacio.
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool could approach Sporting CP in January about their 21-year-old defender Goncalo Inacio. The Portuguese star was on Jurgen Klopp’s radar during the summer, but the Reds had other priorities in the previous transfer window.
Liverpool had a mediocre window at best, despite adding some renowned midfielders to their roster. They did lost a lot of experienced players, with the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson clearly weakening them in the midfield.
However, the additions of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have made them appear stronger, and they are currently in a better position following fresh arrivals before the transfer window closes. Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch joined the club as well, which may have compensated for the loss of numerous seasoned talents.
However, with all of these midfield acquisitions, Jurgen Klopp may have run out of time to finalize a defence signing. The German may have wanted a new left-footed centre-back to bolster his backline, with Liverpool the only team in the top six without one.
Many players have been linked since the summer window closed. For example, they are interested in West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd, but can he be a long-term cost-effective solution? Perhaps the club is thinking along such lines, which has led to reports of signing some young players in the position.
Jorrel Hato of Ajax is a target for Liverpool, but his youth and lack of experience make him a hazardous signing. Klopp seeks a player who can be inserted immediately into his first-team plans and begin playing at the top levels.
Liverpool have kept an eye on Goncalo Inacio, and the latest news is that the Reds are planning a January deal. Despite being aware of Liverpool’s interest throughout the summer, the 21-year-old defender signed a new contract with Sporting. His release clause was also lifted from £33 million to £51.5 million (€60 million).
The fee appears modest given the 21-year-old defender and his experience, but Liverpool are known to haggle on these terms. Furthermore, the source claims that the Reds have set aside £60 million for a new defender during the next transfer window, which may suit their pursuit of Sporting CP’s 21-year-old defender.
Inacio will offer talent to a semi-aging backline, and he could eventually replace Virgil van Dijk. The 21-year-old defender will pique the interest of several clubs, but Liverpool must strike a deal quickly if they want him in January.