Liverpool could pay £52m clause for future Portugal captain

Liverpool could pay £52m clause for future Portugal captain

Liverpool will need to sooner or later move on from Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman - who joined from Southampton back in 2018 for £75m - remains one of the best centre-backs around. But the 34-year-old only has one more year to run on his current £400k per week contract. A parting of the ways in 2027 looks inevitable.

It would be no surprise to learn that Arne Slot and Richard Hughes have a succession plan already in place. There has been no shortage of top central defenders linked with a move to Anfield who can play in Van Dijk’s usual left-sided station.

The likes of Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck are two of the most prominent names. But there is the option for Liverpool to move back in for a previously-named target.

Goncalo Inacio named as a Liverpool target

Goncalo Inacio, 24, is currently starring for Sporting CP and looks set to move on this summer if any team triggers his relatively low €60m (£52m) release clause.

Under contract until 2030 Gazzetta dello Sport has named Liverpool as one of the teams who would not be indifferent to the opportunity to sign the left-footer if the opportunity arose.

“His name is at the top of the wish lists of many of Europe's top clubs: Real Madrid and Barcelona would do anything to sign him, and obviously the Premier League giants—Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United—can't remain indifferent to a release clause of "mere" €60 million,” the report reads.

Furthermore the Italian outlet adds that Inacio’s leadership credentials are coming to the fore and could see him replace Cristiano Ronaldo as captain of the Portugal national team when the No7 retires.

“The leadership he displayed while playing for Sporting has made him a key figure in the Portugal dressing room ahead of the World Cup, ready to inherit the captain's armband if needed,” the report reads.

Gonçalo Inácio: Situation summary

Gonçalo Inácio is a left-footed Portuguese centre-back born in August 2001 who came through Sporting’s Alcochete academy and broke into the first team in 2020, quickly becoming a mainstay and full international for Portugal.

Standing around 1.86m, he has already passed 200 senior appearances for Sporting, underlining his durability and importance in Lisbon.

Inácio is a modern, ball-playing defender who can operate as the left-sided centre-back in a back four or three, and has also filled in at left-back or as a holding midfielder.

He is noted for anticipation, composure and positioning, plus progressive passing and carries; he ranks extremely high among centre-backs for passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries, and is comfortable breaking lines with diagonals or stepping into midfield to beat a press.

Quick across the ground rather than overwhelmingly dominant aerially, he suits high defensive lines and proactive pressing structures.

Sporting extended his deal through 2030 and his contract includes a release clause reported in the €60–80m range, with talks previously floated about raising it further alongside a salary bump.