It’s not like Michael Edwards is playing around.

With a new era at Liverpool and the summer transfer window quickly coming, the Reds are supposedly in prime position to outsmart Manchester United, their bitter rivals in the Premier League, and purchase Virgil van Dijk’s ultimate replacement.

News about Liverpool transfers

Michael Edwards’ strategic planning to account for Van Dijk’s eventual departure over the long run is commendable. The defender himself reaffirmed that he has no plans to leave Merseyside anytime soon, but the Dutchman won’t be an easy guy to replace in terms of leadership, stature, or sheer skill.

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Nevertheless, Van Dijk will eventually reach the end of his career at the top of his game at the age of 32, therefore Liverpool would be best served by having a ready-made replacement in place for when their skipper decides to end his stellar tenure at Anfield. And Gonaclo Inacio could be able to help with that.

Liverpool is currently in prime position to buy Inacio from Sporting CP this summer for €60 million (£52 million), according to Caught Offside. Negotiations are anticipated to proceed with Liverpool “in particular” despite competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Irony would also abound in the deal, since the Reds would be severely undermining Ruben Amorim’s Sporting team after coming dangerously close to acquiring the manager role to unseat Klopp. Ultimately, though, they focused on Arne Slot, who might now be the next manager to take advantage of Inacio’s defensive brilliance and untapped potential.

Van Dijk can be succeeded by “Excellent” Inacio.

Inacio is one of the select few defenders in international football who has the ability to take Van Dijk’s place at Liverpool. The 22-year-old has gained a lot of admirers in Portugal, which is understandable considering the stats he routinely puts up to rank among the finest in all of Europe.

Furthermore, it should be considered one of, if not the best deal of the summer, for Liverpool to start Slot Dijk’s reign off on the right foot if they can sign him for just over £50 million. According to Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout, Inacio is a “excellent central defender” who is destined for greatness, whether or not he joins Liverpool or not.

The Reds, who are reportedly in first place, need to seize every opportunity to defeat Manchester United and sign a player who could transform the course of the season this summer. If the deal goes through, Inacio’s presence would greatly allay any worries over Van Dijk’s long-term absence.