Liverpool could reportedly hijack Manchester United’s January pursuit of Goncalo Inacio after learning that defender Joel Matip could be absent for ‘months’. Jurgen Klopp could enter the upcoming transfer window eyeing a new defender, with Portuguese starlet Inacio believed to be a possible target.
Matip is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury during Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 win over Fulham. His absence leaves Klopp with just three recognised senior centre-backs.
The Cameroon star is expected to leave when his contract expires in the summer, regardless of his return from injury. But Liverpool may now be forced to bring forward plans to sign a replacement.
Several European clubs have reportedly expressed an interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Inacio. Liverpool could now join the race to sign the defender, it has been claimed.
According to journalist Dean Jones speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, Liverpool have been interested in Inacio since the summer. Man Utd have also been linked with the 22-year-old, meaning there could be a major Premier League battle to sign him in January.
Inacio reportedly has a £52m release clause in his contract. It could be a costly deal for either top-flight outfit given their major summer sprees.
Liverpool spent £150m on a huge midfield overhaul, while United spent slightly more in an attempt to elevate Erik ten Hag’s squad to the next level. The Red Devils supposedly want a new defender with Raphael Varane linked with an exit after falling out of favour under Ten Hag.
But Liverpool could be desperate after Klopp had his worst fears come true over the extent of Matip’s injury. “When the doctor comes in and says, ‘It doesn’t look great’, [you worry] but we have to wait for the scans and the scan isn’t here yet,” the German said.
“So you can imagine it doesn’t look great. It is never good news [when the doctor gives that assessment].
“I’ve never had that in all my years where someone says, ‘Oh my god, it’s [the initial diagnosis on an injury] completely wrong, there’s nothing wrong, he can play tomorrow’. It doesn’t happen.”
In a concerning development for Klopp, Matip became the sixth player to be made unavailable due to injury. Liverpool may seek further reinforcements in January.
