Portuguese ace ready to make Liverpool move as he plots transfer to mammoth club

Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio waiting for big move amid Liverpool links

As the January transfer window unfolds, Liverpool find themselves engaged in a race against time to secure the services of highly-rated Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

The 22-year-old prospect has turned down previous bids, including one from Newcastle United, in the hopes of securing a move to a higher-profile club. Now, with Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid in the mix, the competition for Inacio’s signature intensifies. (h/t The Express)

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Inacio is biding his time, waiting for one of the elite clubs to table an offer before considering leaving his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon. This patience surely suggests a player with a clear vision for his future, aiming for a move that aligns with his ambitions at the highest levels of European football.

Inacio’s £52m release clause adds a layer of complexity to Liverpool’s pursuit. To secure the talented centre-back, the Reds will need to submit a bid proportional to this valuation, putting them in direct competition with Manchester United, who are willing to activate the release clause. The urgency to bolster the defensive ranks remains heightened by the need to replace the injured Joel Matip, whose contract with Liverpool also expires this summer.

Inacio to the Reds?

What makes Inacio an enticing prospect for Liverpool is not only his defensive acumen but also his versatility as a left-footed centre-back. This rare attribute certainly adds a layer of strategic depth to Liverpool’s defensive options, aligning with the club’s emphasis on adaptable and technically proficient players. Inacio’s style of play draws favourable comparisons to Matip, showcasing a similar ability to carry the ball (96pth) and excel in playing out from the back.

While Inacio may not be an overly aggressive tackler, his impressive success rate in take-ons (93pth) reflects his physical presence in the backline. Stats via FBRef. This dynamic approach aligns with Liverpool’s footballing philosophy, where defenders are expected to contribute to the team’s buildup play and offer a threat in possession.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Inacio is not merely about addressing a current need but also about investing in a player who fits seamlessly into the club’s tactical blueprint for success.

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The stakes are high, not just in the context of this season but in laying the groundwork for Liverpool’s defensive resilience in the years to come. Inacio’s potential arrival represents more than a transfer as he can form the core of the club in the years to come.