Joel Matip is unlikely to return this season, and Kostas Tsimikas has been ruled out with a broken right collarbone. Andy Robertson, who was originally injured against Scotland, continues to be off the bench, forcing the team to use center back Joe Gomez at left back.
In addition, the average age of the final line is increasing, and the team is working to secure a new center back. A left-handed defender is seen as a major priority, and Sporting defender Goncalo Inácio had emerged as a target since the summer.
However, the young Portuguese defender has agreed to extend his contract to August 2023. The termination fee is said to be set at 60 million euros.
According to AS, clubs looking for a complete transfer do not have to pay the full amount initially, and Sporting is willing to negotiate with only “45 million euros” as an initial fee.
The 22-year-old center back, who is under contract until June 2027, has been a mainstay of the club this season. He has made 23 appearances so far and is becoming a regular in the Portuguese national team. He has also played in the Champions League and Europa League, and has been active outside the domestic league.
It is said that some of the Premier League’s strongest clubs are also interested in him, and he will certainly be an asset to any club.
Will Liverpool be able to acquire a young left-handed center back with a promising future in Europe?