Goncalo Inacio, a center defender for Sporting CP, has attracted the eye of Liverpool’s management, and the Reds would want to buy him to bolster their defense.

The Liverpool Echo reports (through the Spanish publication Fichajes) that Premier League powerhouse Liverpool is considering a summer 2019 transfer for Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio.

Inacio, a product of Sporting’s development program, made his professional debut in March. He played for the first squad when Roberto Martinez was the manager. The 22-year-old defender is widely touted as a potential star in Europe.

All the pieces are there for him to become an elite defender, making him a potentially pivotal player for the Reds. Liverpool badly needs defensive reinforcements, and they should have signed a top-tier center defender during the summer.

At the moment, the club’s starting central defenders are Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. Injury problems have plagued Joel Matip, who is far beyond his prime, while Joe Gomez has a similarly spotty track record.

The Portuguese midfielder Inacio would be a good addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad because of his versatility. He could play a number of positions for Liverpool.

This young athlete can fill virtually everywhere on defense, from left center to left back. He can function well in a three-man or a four-man defense.

The Liverpool left-back spot is open, and the Sporting ace may be a great replacement for Andrew Robertson. The manager may decide to play him against a tough opponent to help the Reds’ defense.

During a battle for possession, Ivan Perisic of Tottenham Hotspur and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon collide. 

The report adds that the teenager can be had for around €30 million, making him a potential steal for any interested club. Liverpool may make the defender a formal offer in the near future, but how they choose to do so remains to be seen.