Liverpool transfers: Ambitious double-swoop now looks tempting
Changes in the managerial race make two transfers suddenly look perfect for Liverpool. The Reds will make big moves in 2024.
Liverpool go into this summer knowing at least one transfer that makes sense - a centre-back. The primary reason for that is Joel Matip, whose contract expires at the end of the season and who's coming off a serious long-term knee injury.
But there was another key reason - a change in formation. It feels like that's coming at Liverpool, especially as the two managers they targeted above all were Xabi Alonso and Rúben Amorim.
Both have found their success using 3-4-3 formations, meaning Liverpool are targeting managers who use three centre-backs. The Reds have a squad built for two, of course.
Pair that with the Matip situation and it feels sensible for Liverpool to want a new centre-back this summer. For extra motivation: Virgil van Dijk turns 33 in June and is going to wind down soon-ish.
So expect some sort of movement on that front. And with how things are shaping up, perhaps it makes sense to commit to an ambitious double-swoop.
Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande
If Liverpool do want a centre-back, they may want to look at those at Sporting CP. After all, it looks increasingly likely that Amorim is going to be their next manager.
But more than that, they appear to like the look of two Sporting centre-backs already. No, not former Red Sebastian Coates, but the two who typically partner him.
Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande have been linked with Liverpool for months now. They were reportedly scouting Inacio earlier this year, with links to the defender going back even further than that.
Around the same time, there were reports that Liverpool had eyes on 20-year-old Diomande. Honestly, it's almost like they went into January knowing it was worth looking at Sporting players...
We really rate Diomande here and if Liverpool are going to sign either player, he might be the one to go for.
But with so many reasons to justify signing a centre-back, a double-swoop is starting to look quite tempting. In fact, if Amorim does make the jump to Anfield, it could simply make sense.
Two incredibly talented young defenders, a manager who knows them perfectly, and a need to boost the numbers in that position. Yes, it would be an enormous outlay - but perhaps one that could be of an equally enormous benefit to Liverpool this summer.