Liverpool’s task of signing Cristiano Ronaldo’s international teammate Goncalo Inacio has been made difficult. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have reportedly joined the race to sign the center back.
Goncalo Inacio came through Sporting Lisbon’s famed academy and has become a mainstay for the Primera Liga side. He made his international debut in 2023 and has 12 caps for the national side.
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have been tracking the 23-year-old with an eye on signing him as captain Virgil van Dijk’s long-term replacement. However, it seems that they will be pushed for Inacio’s signature by fellow Premier League side Manchester City, as per Defensa Central.
The current title holders have signed Sporting Lisbon’s outgoing director Hugo Viana to replace Txiki Begiristain as the sporting director at the club from the summer of 2025. Viana knows Inacio well from his time with the Portuguese giants and could be set to raid his former side in his first move at his new club.
This news would not be welcomed in Liverpool, who are yet to secure Van Dijk’s long-term future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. If Inacio decides to move to the Premier League, he would replicate former Sporting star Cristiano Ronaldo in swapping Lisbon for England back in 2003.
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson set to face Cristiano Ronaldo three years after fiery clash
Cristiano Ronaldo and Andy Robertson are set to renew their rivalry when Scotland host Portugal in the UEFA Nations League tonight, October 15. Three years back, the two had nearly come to blows when playing for their respective clubs.
Cristiano was in his second stint with Manchester United when he traveled to Anfield in October 2021. The Reds handed the visitors a humiliating 5-0 defeat when the two players clashed.
With tempers running high, Ronaldo committed an intentional foul on Liverpool’s Curtis Jones. While he only got a yellow card, Robertson took the challenge personally and charged towards the Portuguese.
The two players had to be separated but the frivolous challenge earned the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticism from a former Manchester United player. Gary Neville, who was commentating on the match, stated that Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘lost his head’.
Robertson is still playing for Liverpool while the 39-year-old forward is currently in Saudi Pro League captaining Al-Nassr. With the history of the two players, it is sure to be an exciting watch when Scotland and Portugal clash.
