Credit: Imago

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sat 2 May 2026 7:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Goncalo Inacio is on Liverpool‘s radar ahead of the summer window as they plan to sign a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The Portuguese international has emerged as one of the top-rated young centre-backs in Europe since emerging as a regular for Sporting CP in the last few seasons.

He has been linked away from his boyhood club in several previous transfer windows, despite signing a contract extension to tie him down at the Estadio Jose Alvalade until 2030.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are interested in signing him this summer as a Van Dijk succession plan is put in place.

Liverpool’s transfer plans will be boosted by qualification for the Champions League, which could be sealed with a win over Man United this weekend.

Liverpool to battle Man United and Chelsea for Goncalo Inacio

Inacio broke into the Sporting team as a teenager and has registered over 250 appearances for the club so far at just 24-years-old.

He is also a regular at the back for Portugal and looks set to head to the World Cup, with Liverpool likely to keep an eye on his performances ahead of a potential move.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “(Inacio) is a player that a number of Premier League clubs have been linked with over the years.

“Manchester United have been linked with him…Chelsea too. Obviously, Liverpool are also admirers of Inacio, who is a left-sided centre-back. There aren’t many top ones available, but he is one of them, for sure.

“They’re going to have to replace Virgil van Dijk sooner rather than later, you would imagine, and Inacio could be an ideal replacement for him, as he can play on the left side of that central defence.

“He’s got good pedigree at international level and has played Champions League football as well.”

Liverpool plan to accelerate Adam Wharton move after Anfield audition

Arne Slot is set to prioritise midfield additions to his squad in the summer window after relatively disappointing campaigns from the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones.

According to Football Insider’s sources, Liverpool remain keen on signing Wharton after he impressed for Crystal Palace at Anfield last weekend.

He was on the losing side for the encounter, but produced another fine individual performance to continue his strong season for the Eagles.

Liverpool’s transfer chiefs were pleased with what they saw, and he is one of their top targets ahead of the summer window.