Liverpool are now set to battle Real Madrid in the race to sign a £52m replacement for Van Dijk
Liverpool are now poised to renew their rivalry with Real Madrid in the race to sign Goncalo Inacio this summer, as they look to replace Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool are ready to fight Real Madrid for Inacio
The Reds’ to-do list is growing by the second. With Champions League qualification still to be confirmed, question marks remain over Arne Slot’s position and that is one of the many issues facing those at Anfield this summer.
Better signing than Wharton: Liverpool already in talks for £42m talent
Liverpool are preparing for another busy summer ahead.
This campaign has not been a good picture for Liverpool’s recruitment, although injuries have not helped. It means they would have no choice but to use the money again this summer to cover the last 12 months.
Meanwhile, while the two priorities will be strengthening the Slot midfield and finding a replacement for the departing Mohamed Salah, it is clear that the Reds also have a defender problem to solve.
Recent rumors have suggested that Iraima Konate will pen a new deal, but that doesn’t completely end Liverpool’s problems.
Defender Van Dijk is likely to leave at the end of his contract in the summer of 2027 and the Dutchman’s replacement will be Richard Hughes’ Mission Impossible.
That, however, will not stop the sports director from trying. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are ready to battle Real Madrid to sign Inacio from Sporting CP this summer.
The centre-back, who can also provide cover at left-back, has a £52m release clause in Portugal – attracting a number 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 would be a tough guy to step up to, though.
The Sporting star, who is worth £52m, could turn into a big deal if he can play against Portugal in the Premier League again. Whether those at Anfield can lure him to Merseyside this summer remains to be seen, however.
|
League statistics 25/26 |
Van Dijk |
Inacio |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,060 |
2,224 |
|
Fighting |
22 |
45 |
|
Recovery |
76 |
133 |
|
Duel success |
73.9% |
57.3% |
|
Pass completion |
89.2% |
89.7% |
Called “outstanding” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Inacio has actually surpassed Van Dijk in many areas this season. His aggression meant he recovered more and won more tackles, albeit at the expense of the Liverpool captain’s usual composure.
When it comes to success, it is surprising that the Sporting man likes to be more precise than Van Dijk. As an all-round defender, Inacio ticks a lot of boxes for a cheap price.
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