Liverpool look all ready to jump into the centre-back market this summer.
The Reds have been stretched at times over the course of the season, with Jarell Quansah having to step up from the academy.
Although Quansah has been impeccable, Liverpool could do with getting some help for he, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. As Jamie Carragher said recently, a defensive addition is absolutely imperative.
Thankfully, it has been claimed that Liverpool will almost certainly make a centre-back addition ahead of next season.
Up until now, Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio had been seen as a relatively likely candidate. But after some news emerged on Thursday, it looks like Liverpool may now have to switch their attention.
Liverpool should step up their Ousmane Diomande chase
Inacio looks like one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. Still only 22, he’s now a double title-winner with Sporting.
His obvious quality has led to strong claims that he’s high up on Liverpool’s list of targets.
However, the news from Portuguese outlet A Bola is that Inacio will not be on the market this summer. Sporting have reportedly made the Portugal international ‘untouchable’ in the window. Bad luck, Liverpool.
The same cannot be said for Inacio’s centre-back partner Ousmane Diomande, though. A Bola report that Sporting are ready to negotiate for Diomande.
Though he has a release clause of around £67m, the Primeira Liga champions will reportedly be ready to accept as low as £43m for the 20-year-old.
With Inacio seemingly off the table, that should now make Diomande Liverpool’s primary defensive target.
Who is Ousmane Diomande
£43m does still sound like a pretty large amount to pay for a young player in just his second season as a first-teamer.
Having said that, Diomande seems like he could be a special player. Already a full international for the Ivory Coast, he exudes quality.
This quality has already reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool. The Reds were linked with a move for Diomande back in January.
With such a high release clause, it’s clear that the former Midtjylland youngster is going places. In years to come, this reduced price could sound like a steal. It has previously been claimed that Diomande could soon be a £100m player.
Other reported targets – like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho – would likely cost Liverpool a similar amount. So, if Liverpool are looking in the £50m market, they’re unlikely to find better than Diomande. He should be the new priority.