According to rumours, Liverpool is still keeping an eye on Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
During the summer transfer window, the 22-year-old centre back was rumoured to be moving to Anfield, but he ultimately decided to sign a new deal in Lisbon, although one with a €60 million (£52 million) release clause.
In the end, the Reds decided to concentrate their hiring efforts on the rebuilding of the midfield, and no defenders were brought in before the transfer deadline on September 1 expired.
Anfield Watch is aware that adding to the defence in 2024 will remain a top objective, and a left-sided centre back is particularly desired.
Liverpool was mentioned earlier this month by transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano as being ‘always in the stands’ to watch Inacio.
“Inacio continues to impress as one of the best young defenders in Europe, displaying tremendous promise with Sporting Lisbon, and has most recently earned a spot on Manchester United’s list of potential targets, according to the speaker.
“But there is also Liverpool – the Reds have always been in the stands to scout and follow Inacio, but at the same time they never sent official bids or started negotiations.”
The Mirror now claims that Liverpool spies watched Portugal defeat Bosnia 5-0 during the international break in October.
Inacio, who has four senior caps for his nation, didn’t play well defensively on the night, but he still contributed an assist to the rout in the Euro 2024 qualification match.
While Inacio is still being pursued by Liverpool, the Mirror’s story also states that Sporting CP and the player’s agent, Miguel Pinho, oppose a winter transfer.
Sporting are not in a hurry to sell, according to Portuguese publication A Bola. If Liverpool wanted to outsmart the competition, there is one clear way they could attempt to force a January deal.
According to A Bola, the ‘only one hypothesis’ for a Liverpool transfer this winter is if they pay the €60 million release clause.
Sporting may get into negotiations with Liverpool at the end of the season if Liverpool wants to make a lower payment. Playing the waiting game, however, can be dangerous, especially with the upcoming Euros, a competition that might increase interest in the young defender, who is also wanted by Manchester United.
For some time now, Liverpool has had new defenders on its recruitment radar, but it is still unclear if they will arrive in January or the following summer.
Andy Robertson’s injured shoulder has likely sidelined him till the new year, which may be one of the reasons the team has accelerated plans for additional back cover.