According to a source, Liverpool and Newcastle United are the top contenders for Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio, while Arsenal is no longer in the running.
Inacio has been linked to a move away from Sporting multiple times in the last six months. Real Madrid is said to be interested in signing him, although Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United were among the first English clubs to link with him.
At the opening of the transfer window, Sport Witness reported on rumors from Portugal claiming Arsenal is “the best positioned club” to sign Inacio.
That being said, it’s unclear whether the Gunners are genuinely in the lead in the battle for Inacio. According to an update from the Portuguese daily Record (via Teamtalk), Liverpool and Newcastle are the main contenders to capture the Portugal defender.
The Primeira Liga club does not intend to let Inacio go midway through the season, therefore Liverpool and Newcastle will have to wait until the summer to reach an agreement with them.
Sporting has signed Inacio to a contract that will expire in June 2027, with a €60 million (£51 million) release clause. That is clearly a large sum of money, but given the current market conditions, it could be very cost effective.
Although Liverpool may put greater pressure on the 22-year-old, it is tough to predict which club will win the competition between Liverpool and Newcastle.
Sporting has signed Inacio to a contract that will expire in June 2027, with a €60 million (£51 million) release clause. That is clearly a large sum of money, but given the current market conditions, it could be very cost effective.
The Premier League leaders may push harder for him now that Virgil Van Dijk’s future is uncertain following Jurgen Klopp’s revelation that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
When asked about his future with the club, Van Dijk responded: “That’s a big question. “Well, I am not sure.”
Van Dijk was warned at the interview that Liverpool would soon have to make a decision on his long-term future because his contract expires in the summer of 2025.
“That is correct – good maths,” the Liverpool captain stated.
“Listen, I do not know. The club is fully aware that they will face a significant challenge.
“To replace not only the manager, but also the staff, there will be numerous changes.
“So the club has a major job on its hands, and I’m quite intrigued about whatever way it will take. But I can’t say when that will be announced; we’ll see what happens.”
