Anfield Watch
·16 July 2024
Anfield Watch
·16 July 2024
Arne Slot has talked with Liverpool and requested a defender. The Reds now have a new player sitting at the top of their shortlist.
O Jogo in Portugal claims Liverpool will struggle to sign Goncalo Inacio. The young Sporting defender is one of the brightest young talents around, having been a key player in their title win last season at just 22.
That has seen Inacio linked with an exit all year long. In fact, rumours of Liverpool’s interest surfaced strongly last February, back when it seemed Sporting boss Ruben Amorim could move to Anfield.
Michael Owen names PERFECT signing for Liverpool front line this summer 1 hour ago by Ewan Ross-Murray
'Wouldn't you go all out?' - Gary Lineker delivers Jurgen Klopp England verdict after Euro 2024 disappointment 2 hours ago by Peter Staunton
Jurgen Klopp's WORST Liverpool signing set to return to Merseyside 3 hours ago by Ewan Ross-Murray
That was a natural link, of course, but it seems Arne Slot is a fan, too. The Dutchman has apparently told Liverpool that he wants a centre-back after Joel Matip’s exit this summer, according to other reports.
And that’s before we talk about Virgil van Dijk’s recent comments on his future...
But the Reds wouldn’t have it easy to get Inacio. Sporting don’t want to sell and would demand his full release clause this summer. That sits around £50m.
Instead, they’re more open to negotiation around Ousamane Diomande - another impressive young defender at the club. Liverpool have been linked with him, too, though not for a few months now.
If there are any doubts over Van Dijk’s future, Liverpool have to sign a top defender. Inacio isn’t quite at that level yet but could be very soon.
But there are strong arguments that the Reds should sign Van Dijk’s replacement even if the Dutchman stays at the club. Inacio could be another player learning under the captain with a view to taking over his role down the line.
He’s certainly got the ability as a fantastic on-ball centre-back - exactly the type Slot would want in defence. If he truly is ‘the one’, then £50m doesn’t feel too steep.
So let’s see where this goes.
Does a Liverpool move for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi make sense? 4 hours ago by Sam McGuire
Would it really be so bad if Liverpool didn't sign anyone this summer? Why Reds transfer business could WAIT until January 3 days ago by Sam McGuire
Rio Ngumoha Liverpool deal might one day go down as the BEST transfer of Arne Slot's era 4 days ago by Sam McGuire