Liverpool reignite interest in €60m star as January priority becomes clear
Tom Weber
- Updated: 20 Nov 2023 18:16 GMT
- 3 min read
Liverpool have reignited their interest in Goncalo Inacio and the the chances of them making a move are "high," according to a report.
The Reds remain in the market for a centre-back. Rebuilding their decimated midfield was the number one priority in the summer after plenty of personnel turnover saw them left with few senior options in the centre of the park.
Jurgen Klopp and Jorg Schmadtke brought in four new players, but because of their midfield rebuild, other positions could not be strengthened. Fabrizio Romano revealed in the summer that the Anfield club were keen to add a young, left-footed centre-back, but ultimately nothing materialised, with target Micky van de Ven - seen as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk - moving to Tottenham.
The centre-back position remains an are of concern for Klopp and company. Virgil van Dijk isn't getting any younger, Ibrahima Konate is injury prone and Joel Matip is coming to the end of his contract. 20-year-old Jarrel Quansah has performed admirably, but nevertheless a more experienced and highly-rated option is being targeted.
This has led the Reds back into the mix for Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio, reports TEAMtalk.
Klopp still keen
The 22-year-old is a long-standing Liverpool target and was already heavily linked with a move in January 2023. Inacio, it is believed, has a €60 million release clause, so he won't come cheap.
However, in terms of profile, he fits exactly what Klopp is looking for. He is left-footed, young, still has plenty of upside but is also already experienced enough to not be fazed by playing in the Premier League.
Indeed, the report asserts that "Inacio is now sharply in focus and the possibility of a January move for him is high." Sporting are in the midst of a domestic title challenge, so they naturally have no intention to sell, but they will be able to do precious little should Liverpool trigger his clause.
