This could be just what we need in the next transfer window.
Liverpoolcould look to sign more players once the January transfer window arrives and a new claim suggests they are pushing to bring in a highly-rated new defender.
DoLiverpool need more signings?
The Reds ended up having one of the most impactful summers of the Jurgen Klopp era, even if they didn’t necessarily make a large number of signings in various areas of the pitch.
Instead, there were massive changes just in midfield:
Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all progressed.
Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch joined in, giving Liverpool a new look in the middle of the park.
However, the Reds probably could have used a new centre-back, and preferably someone who can play as well there as at left-back, as Klopp’s new system almost morphs into a back three when Trent Alexander-Arnold drifts towards midfield in possession.
With Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all somewhat injury prone and Virgil van Dijk now 32, it seems risky to continue with this quartet in defense for the rest of the season.Will Liverpool sign Goncalo Inacio in January?
Speaking to Empire of the Kop, journalist Steve Kay claimed that Liverpool could consider signing Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio in January after pursuing him during the summer transfer window:
“I really feel like, from the people I talk to, that this is something they’ve been asking for.
Discussions have been ongoing since the end of the transfer window; I was told they were continued. So they’re definitely pushing it.
“If a club puts a release clause in a new contract, it usually means the player is for sale.
When you hear people around the club saying:
‘This is Klopp’s man, he wants it’, then you know yes “.
I’ve never heard these things with [Moises] Caicedo, I’ve never had these types of conversations with sources about [Romeo] Lavia.
“When you see Klopp at press conferences, you’ve never had this feeling.
“Inacio could really be the ideal option to join Liverpool in January and strengthen their defensive options as he has already become a very influential player for Sporting despite being only 22 years old.
The strengths of Goncalo InácioThe weaknesses of Goncalo InacioElegant property
Not too loud in the airStrong sense of positionNo experience in the first divisionExcellent ability to concentrate
The Portuguese sensation has made 126 appearances for his current club, scoring 11 goals in that time.
He combines quality with the ball and defensive domination on the ball. He has completed 87% of his passes in the Primeira Liga so far this season, averaging 2.3 passes per game.
In aciohas been hailed as a “complete” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig and he also scored two goals for Portugal in their 9-0 win over Luxembourg earlier this week, showing he is now the one of the best players at international level.
The youngster could be seen as Van Dijk’s long-term replacement in the left centre-back role and an immediate step up from Matip and Gomez, strengthening the squad depth at Klopp’s disposal.
