Liverpool scouted Goncalo Inacio 'for years' as transfer links re-emerge

Liverpool could be back in the hunt for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio after "years" of scouting according to recent reports. The Portuguese international's name has often cropped up in the same sentence as the Reds in previous years and those links appear to have re-emerged.

Arne Slot has already missed out on the signing of Lille's Leny Yoro to Manchester United this summer and the Dutchman is now determined not to let another one slip away from his grasp. There has been no official confirmation that Liverpool are in for Inacio, but noise surrounding his name continues to grow.

The 22-year-old fits the profile of a young center-back that the club are after and he already has considerable experience at his age, having become a mainstay in the heart of Sporting's defense and featuring frequently for Portugal's international team.

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Inacio already has 11 caps for his country, scoring twice, and has made more than 170 appearances for his club since making his debut in 2020 after progressing through the academy. He most recently helped Sporting win the domestic title, adding to the four trophies he has already won in the Portuguese capital.

Now, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing the Sporting ace, after scouting him for "years".

Inacio made 32 league appearances as Sporting lifted the Primeira Liga title last season, helping them finish 10 points ahead of Lisbon rivals Benfica. He also scored three times in nine games as his side reached the Europa League Last 16, before appearing twice for Portugal at Euro 2024 this summer.

Despite primarily operating as a center-back, Inacio is also capable of playing at right-back and in midfield due to his attributes. His long-range passing, in particular, helps him adapt further up the pitch, although he is more than capable of starting offensive plays out from the back.

The 6ft 1in defender also boasts impressive acceleration, agility and pace, making him an ideal candidate to slot into Liverpool's defense. His versatility would also mean that Slot could utilize him in a number of positions should injuries and suspensions to other players require him to.

Should Liverpool make a move, it will have to pay out the release clause in his contract, which has been valued at around $65m (£51m/€60m) . Worryingly for the Reds, Man United has also been linked to the Portuguese, although their recent capture of Yoro could mean they are less inclined to snap him up.