RED HOT RAID: Liverpool chase £51m midfield maestro fresh off a trophy-laden 2025! 🏆🔥
SUMMER SWOOP: Liverpool target £51m maestro with three trophies in 2025—deal heating up! 🏆🔥
Liverpool appear ready to rekindle their interest in a familiar transfer target who’s frequently been linked with a move to Anfield in recent windows.
The Reds’ defensive lineup might see a major overhaul this summer, with Ibrahima Konate possibly on his way out if contract negotiations stall, and Jarell Quansah reportedly drawing interest from Bayer Leverkusen.
Should one or both players depart in the coming weeks, the Premier League champions could be on the hunt for a swift replacement. One potential option is a player who’s already had an impressive year on the pitch.
Liverpool Eye Goncalo Inacio as Defensive Reinforcement
According to a report in the print edition of O Jogo (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool are exploring a move for Goncalo Inacio. The 23-year-old Sporting Lisbon defender, who’s also being pursued by Manchester United and Newcastle, is valued at €60m (£51.1m). However, it’s suggested that Sporting may entertain offers below that figure.
Is Inacio the Heir to Van Dijk for Liverpool?
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Liverpool have reportedly been tracking Goncalo Inacio since the 2022/23 season, but could they finally make a decisive move for the highly-rated centre-back in the coming weeks?
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a stellar 2025, winning a domestic double with Sporting Lisbon and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. His performances on the pitch have been nothing short of exceptional, as highlighted by advanced metrics from FBref.
Inacio ranks in the top 5% of European centre-backs over the last year for key statistics, including non-penalty goals (0.12), non-penalty xG (0.1), shot-creating actions (1.72), and progressive passes (7.34) per game. He’s also among the top 10% for assists (0.08) and progressive carries (1.28) per match.
With his composure in possession, ability to play out from the back, and an eye for goal—he netted six times in 42 appearances last season—Inacio mirrors many of the qualities that have made Virgil van Dijk a standout figure at Anfield. Securing the Portuguese defender for a fee of around £50m, or potentially less, could be an incredible addition for the Reds.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah, Liverpool may find themselves in urgent need of defensive reinforcements. Inacio, with his towering presence and technical brilliance, seems an ideal candidate to fill the void.
Richard Hughes, let’s make sure this defensive gem doesn’t slip away to Manchester United or Newcastle!