Liverpool are preparing to make a move for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, according to a report from Caught Offside.
The 24-year-old has risen through the ranks at Sporting, having joined their academy at the age of 10 after starting his youth career at Almada.
Inacio made his senior debut for the Portuguese club back in 2020 and has since established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Primeira Liga.
His trophy haul at club level is impressive, with three Primeira Liga titles and several other major domestic cup competitions already secured in his career.
Last season proved another strong campaign for the left-footed defender, who scored three goals and registered three assists across 44 appearances in all competitions.
Inacio also contributed heavily to Sporting’s defensive solidity, helping his side record 16 clean sheets throughout the course of the season.
His consistent performances have earned him a place in the Portuguese national team squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The interest from Liverpool has been driven by the departure of Ibrahima Konate, which has left the Merseyside club searching for defensive reinforcement ahead of the new season.
Liverpool already have Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni in their ranks, with Jeremy Jacquet also set to join this summer, but the club are specifically targeting a left-footed centre-back as a long-term successor to Virgil Van Dijk.
Sporting are likely to demand a significant transfer fee, with Transfermarkt valuing Inacio at around £35m, and the Portuguese club are known for driving hard bargains when selling key assets.
Inacio’s contract with Sporting runs until 2030, giving the Lisbon club considerable leverage in any potential negotiations this summer.
Reports indicate that Inacio is not the only defender on Liverpool’s radar, with Murillo, Luka Vuskovic, and Sam Beukema also featuring on their shortlist.
The Sporting star is considered technically gifted, comfortable playing out from the back, and capable of providing cover at left-back when required.
At 24, Inacio is approaching the peak years of his career, making him an attractive long-term option for a Liverpool side looking to strengthen their defensive foundation significantly.