Liverpool Could Reignite Pursuit of £51m-Rated Inacio Amid Defensive Shake-Up
Liverpool may be preparing to renew their interest in a familiar name from recent transfer windows as changes loom in their central defensive lineup.
With Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain due to stalled contract negotiations and Bayer Leverkusen reportedly targeting Jarell Quansah, the Reds could be forced to dip into the market for a new centre-back this summer.
One player on their radar is Gonçalo Inácio — a highly-rated 23-year-old Sporting Lisbon defender who’s enjoyed a stellar 2025, lifting both domestic titles in Portugal and winning the UEFA Nations League with the national team.
Liverpool Eyeing Inácio Once Again
According to O Jogo (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool remain interested in Inácio, who is also being tracked by Manchester United and Newcastle. Sporting are said to value him at around €60m (£51.1m), though they may be willing to negotiate for less.
Having been monitored by Liverpool since the 2022/23 season, Inácio could finally be the subject of a formal approach in the coming weeks. His performances over the past year have been exceptional — ranking in the top percentile of European centre-backs for key metrics like non-penalty goals, xG, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, assists, and carries.
With six goals in 42 appearances last season and a composed style that mirrors Virgil van Dijk’s, Inácio could represent a long-term successor to the Liverpool captain. Securing him for a fee near £50m would be a major coup for the club.
Should Konate or Quansah depart, reinforcements will be needed — and Inácio stands out as an ideal candidate. Sporting’s defensive star could be exactly what Liverpool need to maintain their backline dominance — provided Richard Hughes acts swiftly to fend off rival interest from Old Trafford and St. James’ Park.