Is Gonçalo Inácio Liverpool’s Andy Robertson Upgrade?

Over the weekend and in the initial part of this week, rumours started to spread through the Liverpool gossip pages that the reds new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, was preparing to bid for Sporting Lisbon’s versatile defender, Gonçalo Inácio. Many of the Anfield fanbase (that follow the links and speculation of potential targets), will be familiar with the left sided operator from last summer’s reports.

As Liverpool zeroed in on the eventual Jürgen Klopp replacement (earlier in the year), I held hope that 22-year-old, Inácio, would end up continuing to play his football in the upcoming season for his current Lisbon manager, Rúben Amorim, away from his current setting. The 39-year-old managerial prodigy was the man I hoped would replace the legendary German, Koop, something which very nearly materialized.

Ultimately, the new Liverpool CEO, Michael Edwards, opted to appoint the highly rated Dutchman, Arne Slot, meaning that the fellow Portuguese countrymen would remain in Liga Portugal, however, one appears to have become Anfield relevant once more.

Why Do Liverpool Still Hold an Interest in Gonçalo Inácio?

Now that the Italy star, Riccardo Calafiori, has finally signed for Premier League rivals, Arsenal, it surely narrows the list of those that are being monitored to succeed the Scotland captain, Andy Robertson, at Liverpool. It is important to understand the characteristics that are being sought (by the new regime) for that left-hand side of the defence. Whereas the 30-year-old Scotland captain was once able to undertake his duties as an attacking fallback, I believe we can expect an on-ball endeavour which allows the back four to migrate into a back three, when Arne Slot’s side are in possession.

If the Merseyside giants had been successful in attaining the services of Chelsea ‘s left-sided defender, Levi Colwill, last summer, then I believe that the 2023/24 campaign would have seen a similar game plan undertaken by the reds former steward. Unfortunately for the beloved former Hull City fallback, Robbo, the hands of time wait for no man, especially those within a sporting world.

I fully expect that with just two years remaining on his current contract, the 74-cap Scotland international will move into a backup role for his club, one that will allow him to rotate accordingly whilst being an enticing option from the bench. In terms of what is required for next season, I expect one of the following names to be signed before Liverpool travel to Ipswich Town on the opening day of the new season.

Gonçalo Inácio, Castello Lukeba, Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho.

All of those listed above are a very similar specimen of player, given their robust and left sided defensive nature. As hybrid versions of a flanking central defender, each has the capability to play as a central defender or left fullback, something that the current Liverpool left backs (Joe Gomez aside) do not. In the circumstance surrounding the 6ft 1inch, Gonçalo Inácio, he has a fee potentially dropping from a £50m buyout to a £30m fee. In such a scenario, I can absolutely see why the recruitment team would be tempted back to the 11-cap international.

When May a Deal Likely Take Place?

As the upcoming US tour sees a select group of players head to North America on July 23rd, I suspect that that period away will allow one or two potential deals to be finalized. I would be very surprised if a prominent target were acquired and presented to the expectant fan base, with the new Head Coach on the other side of the world. We were all told a few weeks ago by the former Bournemouth technical Director, Richard Hughes, that business would not be undertaken until August, essentially due to the major international competitions of the summer.

Based upon the timeline of preseason and the need for the former Feyenoord manager to fully integrate with his players, it would allow a window of internal understanding before surgery is carried out on the group. I am certain that one of those names listed above will become a Liverpool player, with each one offering superb individual qualities. Monday 5th August would be my guess for incoming activity to emerge, something that will no doubt antagonize the masses.

The transfer window is open and will remain so for another six weeks, therefore, patience and confidence in the decision makers is once again required, especially if Gonçalo Inácio were the first man through the door.