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Liverpool eyes £51 million star in major defensive upgrade

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By Siddharth Juyal

Liverpool’s transfer window stands out as unique in Europe, with no incoming signings so far. The Reds ended the last season in an anti-climactic fashion after a significant dip in form by their top players.

With legendary manager Jurgen Klopp leaving for Arne Slot in a new Liverpool structure, many expected plenty of transfer activities. However, after Liverpool failed to persuade Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, things have gone quiet with many fans upset.

At the same time, there is a general agreement within the fanbase that the club do not need multiple signings. It is a matter of quality over quantity after the strong squad that Klopp provided Slot to achieve their ambitions.

Goncalo Inacio and Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool are vulnerable in certain areas and the defence department is one of those areas where they need more recruitment. The Reds currently possess captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez as the central defensive options.

Joel Matip departed the club after his contract expired, leaving a massive hole within the squad due to his qualities. Van Dijk is 33 years of age while Konate and Gomez have a poor injury record that makes them unreliable.

Liverpool have actively searched for a centre-back who is capable of playing on the left side of the central defence. A ball-playing modern-day defender with the ability to compete with Van Dijk and eventually succeed the Dutch captain at Liverpool.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Liverpool Echo), Liverpool wants Sporting Lisbon star defender Goncalo Inacio this summer. The Reds have scheduled a conversation with Inacio’s agent Miguel Pinho who is in England currently to conclude other businesses.

Inacio is a right-footed centre-back and a crucial cog in Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP’s defence with his ball-playing abilities. The 22-year-old has already established himself as an important player for the Portugal national team, providing consistency and stability.

Inacio played a crucial role for Sporting Lisbon in their successful Liga Portugal campaign last season, enhancing his reputation. The Portugal international has a release clause of around £51 million that Sporting CP want in full.

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While Inacio fits the profile that Liverpool desire, they could prefer a more left-footed defender with more defensive efficiency. Transfer rumours consistently link Inacio with Liverpool, and we’ll soon see if there’s more substance to it this time.

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