Liverpool could repeat Konate approach to land Ivory Coast star with £70m release clause

Liverpool are planning to repeat Ibrahima Konate-inspired transfer move by signing Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande instead of Goncalo Inacio

Liverpool are looking to repeat Ibrahima Konate-inspired transfer tactics by signing Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande instead of Goncalo Inacio. The Reds similarly signed Konate from RB Leipzig while transfer media linked them with Konate’s defensive partner Dayot Upamecano.

Upamecano enjoyed more attraction from top European clubs than Konate but the Reds made the wise choice after vigorous scouting. Similarly, Liverpool can opt to sign Diomande instead of his defensive partner and highly reputed centre-back, Inacio.

Inacio has enjoyed more media attention than Diomande despite both centre-backs playing a crucial role in their club’s success. Sporting currently leads Liga Portugal, having suffered only two losses this season.

Sporting CP defender and Liverpool target Ousmane Diomande has played a pivotal role in his club's success this season. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) — Sporting CP defender and Liverpool target Ousmane Diomande has played a pivotal role in his club’s success this season. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Fichajes reported Liverpool’s interest in Diomande, with other clubs like Newcastle United also expressing interest in his services. The Ivory Coast international has a reported £70m release clause which can make things complicated for the Merseyside giants.

The report further outlines that the Reds remain interested in Inacio and also Benfica’s prodigy Antonio Silva. Silva’s Benfica has only conceded 10 goals while they currently lie just one point behind Sporting.

Standing at 1.90 metres, Diomande is a formidable defender in aerial and ground duels with his strength and maturity. The 20-year-old has an Aeriel Duel success rate of 71.79 (h/t Squawka) from 15 games compared to Inacio’s 38.78 success rate.

In the ground duels, Diomande boasts a 60.29% success rate compared to Inacio’s 55.93% success rate. The Ivory Coast international has better passing accuracy than his defensive partner but Inacio is more adventurous in passing distribution.

Diomande takes a safer route in his passing and distribution, letting his partner play more as a ball-playing defender. However, the 20-year-old cemented the starting role only during the current season, playing it safe to build a foundation.

Statistical comparison between Liverpool targets Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio based on their performance of Sport CP this season. (Credit: Squawka)

Diomande is fully capable of using his speed to drive forward with the ball while maintaining his positioning and awareness. The 20-year-old is a proper modern-day centre-back and at such a young age, his ceiling is very high.

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Liverpool are shrewd in their transfer business, using the knowledge and quality of their scout to make the best decision. The Reds would not mind paying Diomande’s release clause in the summer if there are no equal or better options.