Liverpool are expected to bolster their defence with the signature of Sporting Lisbon defender, Goncalo Inacio as they prepare to pay his £52m release-clause.
After a disappointing 22/23 season, the Reds seem to have identified their lack of depth in certain areas.
They went all out in the summer and signed 4 midfielders to replace the then-departing older midfielders. Now, it seems that Klopp is looking to add defensive reinforcements.
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Liverpool had Levi Colwill on their radar last summer, but the arrival of Pochettino saw the youngster stay at Chelsea. In fact, the Englishman has been in Poch’s starting XI and is getting more game-time.
Meanwhile, the Reds shifted their focus to the midfield where they had Andre on their wish list for a long time now.
However, that now seems to have cooled down as reports have suggested that Liverpool would not be signing the Brazilian this January.
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Now, there have been various reports that suggest that the Reds are ready to pay the release clause of their defensive target, Goncalo Inacio.
Liverpool to sign Goncalo Inacio this January
As per reports from TEAMtalk, Liverpool have rekindled their interest in Goncalo Inacio. The Portuguese international has been one of the most exciting prospects in Europe since last season.
However, Sporting are not ready to part with their academy graduate for anything less than £52m. But the fee seems to not be a problem for the Merseysiders.
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Being only 22, Inacio has completed 139 appearances for Sporting, while having 11 goals. He has also won a league title and 2 Taça da Liga trophies.
As per stats, he ranks among the top 4% of positional peers across divisions similar to Liga Portugal for shot-creating actions. Moreover, he ranks in the top 5% for assists and the top 9% for pass completion.
Furthermore, he ranks in the top 1% for passes completed and progressive passes, and the top 2% for progressive carries. Finally, he ranks in the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90.
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Is the Portuguese perfect for the Reds?
While Colwill might have been a great addition to Klopp, Inacio also is a great defender who could go on to become a star player.
In fact, he has proved his credentials with a brilliant display against Arsenal in the Europa League last year. He scored in the first leg of their knockout game and knocked out the Gunners out of the UEL.
Moreover, Fabrizio Romano remarked that the Portuguese boasts talents that are ‘very rare’ for his position. Hence, Liverpool should really be pushing in order to seal the deal for Inacio.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
