According Caught offside, Liverpool He could make an approach to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Gonçalo Inácio in the future.
The Merseyside giants were interested in signing a new centre-back this summer following the departure of Joel Matip on a free transfer. transfer.
Inacio was tipped as the top target but Liverpool were put off by the £51m release clause in his contract, according to Caught offside.
However, the Reds have not ruled out a future transfer if they can negotiate a lower fee or their defensive needs become more pressing.
Possible agreement
Liverpool currently have Virgil van Dijk as their undisputed starter at left centre-back. He has partnered Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah on the bench. Premier League This season.
In addition to this trio, the Reds also have Joe Gomez in their first-team ranks. Gomez was linked with a possible move to another club, but the England international ended up staying beyond the transfer deadline.
Arne Slot's team do not need an urgent investment in the central defence, but the situation could change in the future. There is a possibility that Gomes or Van Dijk will leave next year. The latter's contract expires in June 2025.
Even if Van Dijk stays for another year, Liverpool might want a long-term successor. Inacio would be an ideal candidate. He is left-footed and predominantly plays on the left side of Sporting's defence.
The 23-year-old centre-back is a good ball-handler who likes to clear the lines. He is also effective at winning aerial duels and has a knack for recovering the ball. He would be a good replacement for Van Dijk.
Liverpool were disappointed with midfielder Martin Zubimendi's reluctance to leave Real Sociedad this summer, but they won't have as many problems with Inacio, who is eager to prove himself in the Premier League.
Sporting were reluctant to pay £51m in one lump sum, but that could change in the future. The Portuguese club could be convinced to agree to a long-term payment plan for a slightly higher fee.
