Liverpool ‘admirers’ of van Dijk heir, with ‘negotiable’ £52m exit clause

Liverpool are reportedly ‘admirers’ of Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio as they start their long-term alternative plan for Virgil van Dijk.

The skipper has another 12 months on his £400,000 per week contract, expiring on 30 June 2027. Van Dijk has been an unimaginable chief and servant for the membership, serving to usher in a interval of dominance and silverware alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah.

Signed in 2018, he’ll full 9 years on the membership subsequent 12 months earlier than he opens a brand new chapter in his profession.

The £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for the Dutchman is now considered as an enormous discount. The 33-year-old has been the perfect defender on the earth for near a decade now, and whoever indicators him shall be blessed certainly.

It now seems as if Liverpool are conserving an in depth eye on Inacio, who has been essential to Lisbon’s unlikely Champions League success this season.

Gonçalo Inácio dominating within the air ?#UEL pic.twitter.com/jhgbfhyyKY

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) June 6, 2025

Switch newest on Goncalo Inacio with Liverpool conserving an in depth eye on the Lisbon chief

In accordance with claims from Soccer Insider, Liverpool are assessing Inacio forward of a possible transfer to Anfield in the summertime.

The Reds have already dedicated £60m to signing Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet, so there shall be restricted funds accessible for a second marquee centre-back signing, however with van Dijk prone to go away on the finish of the 2026-27 season, there may be want for a alternative within the short-term.

Soccer Insider stories: “Goncalo Inacio is on Liverpool‘s radar forward of the summer time window as they plan to signal a long-term alternative for Virgil van Dijk.

Talking on the Switch Insider podcast, Peter O’Rourke stories: “(Inacio) is a participant that a lot of Premier League golf equipment have been linked with through the years.

“Manchester United have been linked with him…Chelsea too. Clearly, Liverpool are additionally admirers of Inacio, who’s a left-sided centre-back. There aren’t many high ones accessible, however he’s one in every of them, for positive.

“They’re going to have to switch Virgil van Dijk sooner somewhat than later, you’d think about, and Inacio may very well be a great alternative for him, as he can play on the left aspect of that central defence.

“He’s acquired good pedigree at worldwide degree and has performed Champions League soccer as effectively.”

Claims from AS declare that Inacio has a €60m (£52m) launch clause within the contract he signed with Sporting in December 2026, however this asking value is described as ‘negotiable.’

Gonçalo Inácio awakens the pursuits of the greats.

His nice season at Sporting, particularly within the Champions League, has attracted consideration in England (Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United) and Spain.

Its clause quantities to €60M, however negotiable.@diarioas https://t.co/CdxltQQF6D

— Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) April 14, 2026