Blow for Liverpool as Iberian star prefers Manchester United switch

Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio prefers Manchester United move amidst Liverpool interest

Goncalo Inacio, who plays for Sporting CP, prefers a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United this summer amidst interest from Liverpool, according to o Jogo via the Evening Standard (h/t Liverpool Echo).

The Anfield side have been linked with a move for the centre-back in recent weeks. As things stand, the Portugal international is in a contract standoff with the Primeira Liga outfit as they look to increase his release clause.

Now, Inacio looks set to make his way to the English top fight in the upcoming transfer window. However, the Old Trafford side are being eyed by him. Newcastle United also have the 21-year-old on their radar. But he is not keen on the move.

The Portuguese made his way through the youth ranks at Sporting CP. A couple of seasons back, the centre-back was given the opportunity to establish himself in the Leoes’ senior squad.

Since then, the defender has been a key player for the Lisbon-based club. In the current campaign, he has been one of the first choices in Ruben Amorim’s team’s backline.

Man United were relatively solid defensively last season. Erik ten Hag trusted the partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. The Old Trafford side also have Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire at their disposal for now.

As for Liverpool, we endured a dismal 2022/23 campaign. Our defence looked surprisingly shaky. Virgil van Dijk did not look like his best version. The Holland international was also without a regular partner.

While the Merseysiders have Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate at their disposal, they have both faced their own fitness issues. Jurgen Klopp also has Joe Gomez in his ranks, but the English national has left a lot to be desired over the years.

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Thus, adding a new centre-back should evidently be one of the priorities for the Anfield side this summer. But will we be able to change Inacio’s mind and entice him to the club? Only time will tell.