Liverpool are now ready to reignite their rivalry with Real Madrid in the race to sign Goncalo Inacio this summer, as they go on the hunt for their Virgil van Dijk replacement.
Liverpool ready to battle Real Madrid for Inacio
The Reds' to-do list is growing by the second. With Champions League qualification yet to be confirmed, there remains question marks over Arne Slot's position and that's just one of many problems facing those at Anfield this summer.
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Liverpool are getting ready for another busy summer on the transfer front.
The campaign has not been a good reflection on Liverpool's recruitment, even if injuries haven't helped. It means that they could have no choice but to splash the cash once again this summer to make up for the last 12 months.
On that front, whilst the two main priorities will be bolstering Slot's midfield and finding a replacement for the departing Mohamed Salah, it's clear that the Reds also have a centre-back problem to solve.
Recent rumours have suggested that Ibrahima Konate will put pen to paper on a new deal, but that does not end Liverpool's problems entirely.
Defensive stalwart Van Dijk is likely to leave at the end of his own deal in the summer of 2027 and replacing the Dutchman will be Richard Hughes' very own Mission Impossible.
That, however, won't stop the sporting director from trying. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are ready to battle Real Madrid to sign Inacio from Sporting CP this summer.
Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio
Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio
The central defender, who can also provide cover at left-back, has a £52m release clause in Portugal - attracting plenty of potential suitors as a result.
£52m Inacio could replace Van Dijk
Replacing Van Dijk will not be an easy task at Anfield. He will bow out as one of the greatest defenders to ever play in the Premier League. Inacio could be a strong candidate to step up, however.
The Sporting star, at £52m, could turn into quite the bargain if he replicated his form in Portugal in the Premier League. Whether those at Anfield can lure him to Merseyside this summer remains to be seen, though.
League stats 25/26 Van Dijk Inacio
Minutes 3,060 2,224
Tackles 22 45
Recoveries 76 133
Duel success 73.9% 57.3%
Pass completion 89.2% 89.7%
Dubbed "outstanding" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Inacio has actually outperformed Van Dijk in a number of areas this season. His aggression means he has made more recoveries and won more tackles, albeit at a cost of the composure that the Liverpool captain often exudes.
When it comes to pass success, it's also a surprise that the Sporting man tends to be more accurate than Van Dijk. As an all round defender, Inacio ticks plenty of boxes at a cheap price.
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