Potential Liverpool Coup: Targeting a Player Erik ten Hag Requested Man Utd to Sign

Liverpool is eyeing a potential coup by swooping in for one of the players Erik ten Hag had reportedly requested Manchester United to pursue earlier in the year.

Amidst Manchester United’s limited potential for significant January transfer activity, the club’s Chief Operating Officer Colette Roche recently hinted at restrained business opportunities during a fans’ forum.

The summer witnessed substantial spending by United, with Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana joining for a collective sum surpassing £150 million.

Of the trio, Hojlund, despite being the costliest acquisition, initially struggled to find form in the Premier League until marking his maiden domestic goal in the recent 3-2 victory against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

However, United’s woes extended beyond scoring, as their defensive line faced challenges. With a string of injuries affecting key defenders like Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane in recent months, Ten Hag had to devise alternative strategies.

Reportedly, the Daily Mirror revealed that Ten Hag eyed the transfer market for solutions, singling out Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio among a four-player shortlist.

Despite Inacio’s reported £52 million release clause, speculations surfaced linking the left-footed center-back to a potential move to Liverpool, as suggested by Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias.

Inacio, lauded for consistent performances at Sporting over multiple seasons, is accustomed to operating on the left side of a back three in Portugal.

Liverpool, grappling with defensive injury setbacks and lacking a fit left-back, faces a shortage in center-back cover for Virgil van Dijk. The absence of Andy Robertson due to a shoulder injury further complicates their defensive options, leaving Joe Gomez as the makeshift backup for both full-back roles.

Inacio’s potential acquisition could serve as a long-term solution for Van Dijk, especially with the Dutch defender approaching 33 years old in July. Additionally, the pair might complement each other on the field, given Van Dijk’s natural right-footed stance.