Ruben Amorim could prevent Liverpool from signing reported transfer target Goncalo Inacio.
The Sporting CP boss was once tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer, though found himself pipped to the post by Feneyoord’s Arne Slot.
There can be no complaints over how things have transpired since, even if there was a surprising lack of Liverpool transfers in the summer.
The Merseysiders sole defeat of the 2024/25 came against Nottingham Forest in mid-September. The title challengers have since fallen to second place in the Premier League after a 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Liverpool transfer news amid Ruben Amorim to Man Utd manager links
Portuguese outlet JN notes that Goncalo Inacio was among the names he identified as potential Liverpool signings.
Were the Red Devils to bring Amorim to Old Trafford, there’s every possibility that our league rivals may look to hijack a move.
Manchester United did, admittedly, bring one highly-talented young centre-half to Manchester in Leny Yoro in the summer. However, the Sporting CP boss’ preference for a back-three could see him push for further defensive reinforcements.
Why didn’t Liverpool sign Goncalo Inacio in the summer?
The No.25 being part of a back three may have been a key reason behind Liverpool’s lack of movement here.
The demands, for one, are certainly very different on a centre-half compared to a traditional back four.
Goncalo Inacio does, of course, stand out as a left-sided centre-back in the metrics. The Portuguese international ranks in the 90th and 99th percentiles for pass completion and number of progressive passes played, according to FBref. The kind of numbers that would surely appeal to Arne Slot’s more possession-focused brand of football.
If we’re looking for an out-and-out Virgil van Dijk successor, however, there are some notable concerns. Perhaps chief amongst them is the comparative lack of an aerial presence. Inacio has secured an average aerial duel win rate of 56.9% compared to our No.4’s 75.8%.
Whether Liverpool look to revive this transfer rumour in January and potentially compete with Manchester United, however, remains to be seen.