Home » ARTICLES » Liverpool face Competition from Manchester United to sign highly rated €60m left-footed centre-back

Liverpool face Competition from Manchester United to sign highly rated €60m left-footed centre-back

Photo of author

By Siddharth Juyal

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring Sporting Lisbon star Goncalo Inacio to sign him

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio to sign him this summer. Inacio played a pivotal role for Sporting CP as they secured the Liga Portugal title under Ruben Amorim last season.

The Portuguese side lost the Taca De Portugal against their rivals FC Porto in the final match of their season. Inacio has enjoyed a steep rise in his reputation and established himself as the first-choice defender with the Portugal national team.

The 22-year-old plays at the left side of the three-man defence in Sporting CP’s 3-4-2-1 formation that emphasizes possession. Standing at 1.86 metres, the Portuguese is physically strong and has the athleticism to hold his own during ground duels.

Liverpool want talented defender Goncalo Inacio (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Liverpool want talented defender Goncalo Inacio (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Despite his height advantage, the 22-year-old could do better in the aerial duels, ranking low compared to his defensive teammates. Inacio’s biggest strength is his on-possession abilities as he plays a crucial role in dictating and buildup from the backline.

The Portugal international can distribute accurate passes and also make progressive carries that are pivotal to Sporting CP’s playing style. Inacio accumulated two yellow cards, resulting in a red card against Benfica, despite his disciplined approach to making tackles.

The 22-year-old made 49 appearances in all competitions for Sporting CP last season, contributing four goals and one assist. Inacio accumulated nine yellow cards in total alongside his one red card.

Romano used his official X account to reveal that Liverpool and Man United want Inacio during the summer transfer window. The Portuguese international has a 60 million euros release clause, a bargain price in the inflated market.

Liverpool wants a left-footed centre-back during the summer to bolster their defence while keeping the future in mind. The Reds want good competition for their captain Virgil van Dijk, someone who can succeed him eventually.

More Liverpool news

Inacio is a fantastic choice but a lot will depend on the availability and price of other potential defensive targets. Liverpool always carefully evaluates and finalizes a target to ensure the player perfectly fits.