Liverpool’s summer transfer plans do not include a move for Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. The Reds, along with Manchester United, were rumored to be monitoring the 22-year-old, but according to reliable sources, Inacio is not on Liverpool’s list of potential targets in that position.
Instead, these rumors are believed to be an attempt to generate interest in a player who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League. Liverpool has been keeping an eye on several defensive options since before last summer, as they anticipated the need to strengthen their backline.
Last season, the emergence of Jarell Quansah eased the need for immediate reinforcements, but the departure of Joel Matip on a free transfer has once again opened up the possibility of a vacancy in central defense. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho and Lille’s young talent Leny Yoro have been frequently linked with Liverpool in recent weeks. However, it remains to be seen what approach new head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes will take in their search for defensive additions.
On the other hand, there is interest from other clubs in one of Liverpool’s own defenders. Sepp van den Berg, who had a successful loan spell at Mainz, has attracted attention from two Premier League clubs. Liverpool has placed a £20 million price tag on the 22-year-old center-back following his impressive performances in Germany.
Reports in Germany had suggested that Mainz had an option to buy Van den Berg for as little as €5 million (£4.2m). However, reliable sources have clarified that these claims are incorrect, and Liverpool will have the final say on the transfer fee due to the high interest in the player. Brentford and newly-promoted Southampton are among the clubs keen on signing Van den Berg, but Liverpool will take their time before deciding whether to part ways with him. New head coach Arne Slot is keen to assess his compatriot during pre-season before making a final decision.
Overall, Liverpool’s focus for the summer transfer window seems to be centered on finding a suitable center-back to strengthen their defensive options. While Inacio is not on their radar, other names such as Pacho and Yoro have emerged as potential targets. On the other hand, they are also facing interest in one of their own defenders, Van den Berg, and will carefully evaluate his performances in pre-season before making a decision on his future at the club.