Arne Slot may have arrived in Merseyside with a dazzling smile and a beguiling demeanour, but make no mistake: the Liverpool head coach has a merciless streak.
Liverpool overcame newly promoted Ipswich Town 2-0 in their Premier League opener last weekend, with Slot making the brave decision to change Jarell Quansah with Ibrahima Konate at halftime, dissatisfied with the visitors’ lack of success in the match.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the Dutchman, who previously played for Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar, will decide on his preferred backline as the season progresses, but it is an early, speculative indicator that Liverpool require a new face in defence.
Liverpool is lining up a new defender.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has made some fascinating comments about centre-back Goncalo Inacio’s future, with the 39-year-old refusing to rule out a summer move to Liverpool.
Inacio is a long-term Reds transfer target, but he chose to sign new terms in his own country last summer, feeling that at 21 years old, he was better off polishing his skills.
That decision proved sensible, as the now-22-year-old won the Liga Portugal and proceeded to demonstrate the elite talent that caused Sporting to increase his release clause to €60 million (£51 million).
However, it’s understood that offers totalling €45m (£38m) might be considered, and Liverpool must surely pounce to complete their backline.
Why Goncalo Inacio is perfect for Slot
With Joe Gomez’s future at Anfield uncertain, it’s never been more crucial for Slot and FSG to address their defence position, as leaving oneself short-handed might derail a successful season.
Inacio would be a huge signing, since his ball-playing abilities are exactly what Slot’s system requires this season. According to FBref, the Portugal international was in the top 15% of Liga Portugal’s centre-backs for pass completion last season, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, and the top 8% for progressive carry per 90.
This demonstrates a high-level passing game, with acclaimed observer Raj Chohan even praising the player’s “immense” technique and athleticism.
He’s also spent several crucial years honing his skills in his home country and now appears to be ready for a shot at the Premier League, having won the league title last season and demonstrating his defensive metrics, including 13 clean sheets, 55% of ground duels won, and an average of 1.5 tackles and 4.7 ball recoveries per game, according to Sofascore.
Liverpool need a centre-back, and it appears that Inacio is the right man for the position, despite recent reports that the Reds are interested in completing the controversial purchase of Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
Liverpool’s interest in Branthwaite
Certain sections of the fan base erupted into a short frenzy when odds on Branthwaite’s potential transfer to Liverpool were reduced, but it’s difficult to imagine Everton allowing their greatest player to saunter across to Anfield.
The England international is developing into one of the Premier League’s best defenders, but he has already been the subject of a high-profile transfer controversy this summer, with Manchester United having a number of bids rejected.
Everton had no need to sell Amadou Onana after selling him to Aston Villa for £50 million, and the 22-year-old is regarded as one of the club’s record defensive signings, alongside Virgil van Dijk, Wesley Fofana, and Harry Maguire. It is more difficult to imagine FSG clearing a deal for £75 million, which is twice the cost of Inacio, than Everton agreeing to one.
Branthwaite is developing into a “absolute monster” of a defender, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, after keeping 12 clean sheets in 35 Premier League games last season and establishing himself as one of England’s most athletic titans.
Standing at 6 feet 5, he’s an imposing figure who might form an incredible partnership with Van Dijk in Liverpool’s backline, but, as previously stated, it simply does not appear practical.
Liverpool might potentially be forced to spend more than the world record £75 million sum paid to Southampton for Van Dijk in 2017, and for a player who has yet to display the type of passing ease that Slot would need from his centre-backs.
Last season, Branthwaite ranked among the poorest 28% of Premier League defenders in pass completion and the bottom 18% in progressive passes per 90, indicating a stylistic contrast with what Slot envisions at Anfield.
This is a dramatic contrast to Inacio’s style of play, and while Sean Dyche’s Everton system is hardly the most ball-centric in England, it does highlight an issue that may not be worth ignoring, especially for such a high cost.
Therefore, Liverpool must sign Inacio this summer. It’s worth noting that Branthwaite is reportedly on FSG’s radar, but it’s unlikely to lead to anything – which is probably a good thing considering the circumstances.