Ruben Amorim to Liverpool: Potential Sporting Stars to Follow
Following Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, the Reds are currently in the market for a new head coach. Sporting’s Ruben Amorim is reportedly near the top of Liverpool’s priority list, alongside the likes of Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.
We previously took a deeper look at three players that Alonso could bring with him to Anfield. But, today we’re going to explore the potential signings that Amorim could execute upon his arrival on Merseyside.
Liverpool have recently began to explore the Portuguese market more thoroughly, with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz arriving at the club. Could Amorim carry on some of the foundations laid down by former Sporting Director Julian Ward, during his time at the club?
Goncalo Inacio
Liverpool have been constantly linked with a move for Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio over recent transfer windows. The 22-year-old has become a pivotal part of Sporting’s back-line as they look to lift the league title once again.
Last summer, the Reds were tipped by many to make a move for the youngster but Inacio ultimately ended up signing a new deal at Sporting instead. With that being said, Inacio’s new deal at Sporting reportedly contains a release clause of approximately £50million.
Despite his young age, Inacio has already made 153 appearances for Sporting, scoring 12 goals and assisting a further eight. Many would suggest that a left-footed central defender would massively benefit Liverpool’s progressive style of play, especially from the back. Inacio would definitely fit the tactical bill and would the exact age profile that Liverpool would be looking to aquire.
Pedro Goncalves
The 25-year-old has become a crucial fixture in Ruben Amorim’s Sporting side as they take further strides towards the league title. Goncalves is most regularly deployed as a right-winger, but can also be effective on the opposite wing and even down the middle as a central option.
Since joining Sporting in 2020, the forward has made 171 appearances, scoring 70 goals and assisting a further 46 across all competitions. That averages out at nearly 0.8 goal contributions per 90 minutes, an incredibly impressive record over such a long period of time.
So far this season, Goncalves has 12 goals and 12 assists to his name in 32 appearances across all competitions. Transfermarkt currently value Goncalves at around £25million, but a summer move would likely cost upwards of the £30million region.
Viktor Gyokeres
Eyebrows were raised when Sporting signed Gyokeres from EFL Championship side Coventry City in the summer. However, the Swedish striker has become one of the hottest prospects in Europe since his summer arrival.
The 25-year-old has 27 goals and 11 assists in 29 appearances for Sporting, averaging roughly 1.07 goal contributions per 90 minutes. That puts him in the top 2% of strikers in Europe for goals and assists, as well as shot-creating actions, progressive carries, successful take-ons and key passes.
However, this move remains highly unlikely with Gyokeres having a £100million release clause in his current contract. With Liverpool already spending £84million on Darwin Nunez just 18 months ago, it’s hard to see the Reds splashing the cash on another striker option.
Overall Verdict:
Whilst Gyokeres remains highly unlikely, Inacio is undoubtedly the most likely option to end up at Liverpool in the summer. With the Reds seemingly already laying the ground work for this move, the appointment of Amorim could only pull the final details of that deal together.
Goncalves would certainly be the underrated choice, especially with Mohamed Salah’s long-term future at the club still under scrutiny. It would definitely be interesting to see if Goncalves could make the switch to the Premier League.
