Liverpool Could Land “Immense” £38m Titan for Arne Slot, He’d Be Better Than Branthwaite
Arne Slot may have arrived in Merseyside with a bright smile and a friendly attitude, but don’t be fooled— the Liverpool head coach has a determined and ruthless side.
In their Premier League opener last weekend, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town. Slot made a decisive move at half-time, substituting Jarell Quansah for Ibrahima Konate, driven by frustration over the team’s struggles in the match.
| Ipswich Town 0-2 Liverpool: LFC Match Stats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Key Stats | 1st Half | 2nd half |
| Goals scored | 0 | 2 |
| Big chances | 0 | 6 |
| Shots (on target) | 3 (0) | 15 (5) |
| Possession | 58% | 66% |
| Dribbles completed | 2/8 (25%) | 9/14 (64%) |
| Tackles won | 5/12 (40%) | 4/8 (50%) |
| Duels won | 22/53 (42%) | 24/44 (55%) |
| Ball recoveries | 26 | 19 |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | ||
The true test lies in the experience, and the Dutchman, who previously played for Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar, will gradually determine his preferred defensive lineup as the games unfold. However, it is an early indication that Liverpool may require a new addition in their defence.
Liverpool Eyeing a New Defensive Addition
Portuguese outlet O Jogo has reported intriguing remarks from Sporting Lisbon’s manager, Ruben Amorim, regarding the future of center-back Goncalo Inacio. The 39-year-old manager did not dismiss the possibility of Inacio being sold to Liverpool this summer.
Inácio has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time as a long-term transfer target. Despite the interest from the Reds, he decided to stay in his home country last summer, feeling that at just 21 years old, it was better to continue developing his skills there.
That choice has proven to be a good one. Now 22, Inácio played a crucial role in winning the Liga Portugal title. His impressive technique on the field led Sporting to increase his release clause to €60 million (£51 million).
However, it is believed that an offer in the range of €45 million (£38 million) could be enough to initiate negotiations. Liverpool, therefore, might see this as the perfect opportunity to strengthen their defence.
Why Gonçalo Inácio is an Ideal Fit for Liverpool
With Joe Gomez’s future at Anfield uncertain, it has become crucial for both Slot and FSG to address Liverpool’s defensive needs. Neglecting this issue could jeopardize a promising season, making it vital for the club to reinforce its backline.
Inacio would be an impactful addition to the team, particularly because his ball-playing abilities align perfectly with Slot’s tactical requirements. According to FBref, the Portugal international was among the top 15% of center-backs in Liga Portugal last season for pass completion. He also ranked in the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90 minutes.
These statistics highlight Inacio’s exceptional passing skills. Respected analyst Raj Chohan has praised the player’s “immense” technique and athleticism, further emphasizing his suitability for the Premier League.
Inacio has also gained valuable experience in Portugal, where he played a key role in securing the league title last season. His defensive contributions were notable, as he kept 13 clean sheets, won 55% of his ground duels, and averaged 1.5 tackles and 4.7 ball recoveries per game, according to Sofascore.
Liverpool are in need of a center-back, and Inacio appears to be an ideal candidate for the role. This comes despite recent surprising rumors that the club is considering the controversial signing of Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
Liverpool’s Pursuit of Branthwaite
There was a brief surge of excitement among some fans when the odds of Branthwaite potentially moving to Liverpool were reduced. However, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where Everton would let their top player join their rivals at Anfield.
The England international is rapidly becoming one of the Premier League’s best defenders and has already been at the center of a major transfer saga this summer, with Manchester United having multiple bids turned down.
With the recent sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50 million, Everton are under no pressure to sell and consider the 22-year-old to be in the same league as record-breaking defenders like Virgil van Dijk, Wesley Fofana, and Harry Maguire. Given that Branthwaite would likely cost around £75 million—double the price of Inacio—it seems more unlikely that FSG would approve such a deal than it is that Everton would agree to it.
Jacek Kulig, a talent scout, has praised Branthwaite, describing him as an “absolute monster” of a defender. Last season, he kept 12 clean sheets in 35 Premier League matches, showcasing himself as one of England’s most athletic defensive players.
Standing at 6 foot 5, Branthwaite presents a commanding presence on the field and could potentially form an impressive partnership with Van Dijk in Liverpool’s defense. However, such a move seems unlikely at this time.
Liverpool would likely need to exceed the world-record £75 million fee paid for Van Dijk from Southampton in 2017. Moreover, Branthwaite has not yet demonstrated the passing ability required by Slot for his center-backs.
Last season, Branthwaite’s passing metrics were among the lowest in the Premier League, ranking in the bottom 28% for pass completion and the bottom 18% for progressive passes per 90 minutes. This highlights a mismatch between his playing style and what Slot envisions at Anfield.
In contrast, Inacio’s playing style aligns more closely with Slot’s requirements. While Sean Dyche’s Everton system is not particularly focused on ball possession, the discrepancies in Branthwaite’s style may be too significant to overlook, especially considering the potential cost.
Therefore, Liverpool should focus on signing Inacio this summer. Although Branthwaite is reportedly on FSG’s radar, it is unlikely that this will lead to a deal, which may ultimately be for the best given the circumstances.
In other Liverpool news, “Audacious” £51m “Late Move” for Potential First Liverpool Signing Revealed Amid “Major Update”
