Liverpool transfers: Goncalo Inacio named as 'priority signing' this summer

Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio has now been named as Liverpool’s priority signing in this transfer window by reports in Portugal. 

Monday’s edition of O Jogo reveals that Inacio, 22, could well be a ‘casualty’ for Ruben Amorim’s squad ahead of the new season with interest intensifying from Anfield. 

The Reds would appear to have a straight run at Inacio ahead of other potential Premier League suitors, such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle. 

That trio along with Liverpool had been monitoring the left-sided centre-back but all three have other defensive priorities during this window. 

Manchester United are working on a deal for Matthijs de Ligt - and like Liverpool are awaiting the outcome of Leny Yoro’s potential transfer to Real Madrid, while Arsenal are making plans to sign Riccardo Calafiori. 

Newcastle, meanwhile, have completed the free signing of Lloyd Kelly after he left Bournemouth. 

Inacio's €60m Sporting clause

Inacio is contracted to Sporting until 2027 and his deal contains a €60 million release clause. There are however suggestions in Portugal that Sporting would rather sell Inacio’s central defensive partner Ousmane Diomande if they had to choose between who leaves this summer. 

It’s reported that new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot would like a new defender with Joel Matip having left on a free and long-term uncertainty around Virgil van Dijk. 

In that context, Inacio has now arrived at the top of the list. 

The 33-year-old plunged his club and international future into doubt following Dutch elimination from Euro 2024, saying he had a lot of things to consider. 

Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of next season and Liverpool will have to soon look to a new generation of defenders.

Also linked has been Crystal Palace and England starter Marc Guehi. 

With Euro 2024 and the Copa America now at an end, O Jogo states that Liverpool will now look to speed up their recruitment for the rest of the summer transfer window. 

Wantaway Sepp van den Berg looks set to stick around in the short-term with Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate not yet back from the Euros either. 

Heading into the pre-season US tour, Liverpool are short on centre back numbers and Van den Berg is reported to have impressed staff since arriving at the club for pre-season.