Liverpool could pay £52m clause for future Portugal captain

Liverpool could pay £52m clause for future Portugal captain Liverpool will need to sooner or later move on from Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman - who joined from Southampton back in 2018 for £75m - remains one of the best centre-backs around. But the 34-year-old only has one more year to run on his current £400k per week contract.

A parting of the ways in 2027 looks inevitable. It would be no surprise to learn that Arne Slot and Richard Hughes have a succession plan already in place. There has been no shortage of top central defenders linked with a move to Anfield who can play in Van Dijk’s usual left-sided station.

The likes of Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck are two of the most prominent names. But there is the option for Liverpool to move back in for a previously-named target . Goncalo Inacio named as a Liverpool target Goncalo Inacio, 24, is currently starring for Sporting CP and looks set to move on this summer if any team triggers his relatively low €60m (£52m) release clause.

Under contract until 2030 Gazzetta dello Sport has named Liverpool as one of the teams who would not be indifferent to the opportunity to sign the left-footer if the opportunity arose. “His name is at the top of the wish lists of many of Europe's top clubs: Real Madrid and Barcelona would do anything to sign him, and obviously the Premier League giants—Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United—can't remain indifferent to a release clause of "mere" €60 million,” the report reads. Furthermore the Italian outlet adds that Inacio’s leadership credentials are coming to the fore and could see him replace Cristiano Ronaldo as captain of the Portugal national team when the No7 retires.