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Goncalo Inacio could be the next transfer coup for Liverpool

By Joseph Copeland

LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 30: Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP in action during the Liga Bwin match between Sporting CP and FC Famalicao at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 30, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 30: Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP in action during the Liga Bwin match between Sporting CP and FC Famalicao at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 30, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /
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In case you haven’t heard, Liverpool are in the market for a new defender. As it is every transfer season, there is no shortage of players that have had their names tied to the Reds, whether they are valid interests or not. However, the club looking hard at the 21 year-old Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP could be the real deal.

Recent rumors have also brought the name of Levi Colwill into the fray. While he is already a player with Premier League experience playing for Brighton on loan this past season, there is no last minute release clause FSG can trigger. Chelsea are clearly reluctant to sell.

It will take a huge offer to get the Blues to budge on their young defender. Inacio on the other hand, does have a modest release clause. Liverpool are quickly becoming a club that feasts on situations like this.

However, the club has not moved aggressively to trigger this clause and bring the young Portuguese star to England. At 40 million GBP, it is not an outrageous number for a still very young, but Champions League and International level proven defender.

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – JUNE 20: Goncalo Inacio of Portugal in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying Round Group J match between Iceland and Portugal at Laugardalsvollur on June 20, 2023 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – JUNE 20: Goncalo Inacio of Portugal in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying Round Group J match between Iceland and Portugal at Laugardalsvollur on June 20, 2023 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) /

Liverpool needs to inject some more youth and upside into their defensive ranks. It gets very thin after the VVD-Konate pairing. Whether it’s constant injuries from the reserves or just lack of form.

Inacio looks to be a total package. Players of his age and profile typically do not carry on in the Portuguese league for very long. If Liverpool does not make a move, another big club will at some point.

I believe this is a player that the Reds would regret passing up on. He has a comfort level both on the ball and off it. He is a very gifted passer for someone of his ilk. The ability to spray the ball from the back of defense is something that has separated Van Dijk from his peers.

Getting another CB to come in that can carry this on while learning and growing from the Dutchman could be a super move. Inacio also has the Joel Matip quality in that he will dribble at the opposition if the moment arises.

That’s not to say he disregards his defensive responsibilities. He still makes almost 1.50 tackles per 90 minutes and a shade under 2 interceptions. Throw in the fact that he is left-footed and his 40 million release clause value could like a steal in a few years.

Virgil only has a few years at the top of the game left. There has to be high-end talent in the pipeline ready to keep the machine humming. A center defensive pairing of Inacio-Konate in the future could be a fearsome combo.

I have no doubts that Colwill will become a standout performer as well in the future. However, to get a player who is more proven at the top of the game for potentially half the cost? That’s just common sense.

It’s good to see the club is not solely focused on the midfield, but with pre-season kicking off it would be good to see some of that aggression the club has shown to secure Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.

Goncalo Inacio isn’t the only option for the Reds, but he could be the smartest one.