Transfer rumours involving Liverpool as the two championship rivals compete for a defensive target. This week, Reds scouts may also do checks on a highly sought-after Porto player.
Michael Edwards’ return to Liverpool has been announced by the team’s owners, FSG, and the selection of a new sports director is soon to be completed. After ten years at Anfield, Edwards left in 2021 and turned down FSG’s original offer to take over as manager during the post-Jürgen Klopp period.
However, he has now consented to rejoin the organisation as CEO of Football, overseeing Liverpool’s operations. Edwards verified that “a number of essential leadership positions needing urgent attention” were present at Liverpool in a statement released by FSG.
Richard Hughes is expected to visit from Bournemouth, according to reports from The Athletic and other sources, making a sporting director the first person to see. His departure from the South Coast outfit at the conclusion of the season was revealed last week.
Hughes will undoubtedly play a significant role in Liverpool’s transfer operations in the following windows, alongside current recruiting and scouting staff, as the two work on selecting Klopp’s successor. This is Liverpool.com’s assessment of the transfer rumours that have surfaced surrounding the Reds today, including conjecture over a gifted young defender and the possibility of seeing a possible target up close.
Alan Varela from Porto
The midfielder Alan Varela of Porto is expected to be evaluated by scouts from Liverpool on Tuesday during his team’s Champions League second leg against Arsenal. In the first leg of the round of 16, Varela was outstanding as Porto won 1-0.
The 22-year-old just signed a $8.7 million (£6.9 million/€8.0 million) agreement to join Porto from Boca Juniors last summer, but in his debut season in Portugal, his value has increased. According to records, Varela is being watched by Liverpool, and if he plays well this week, his chances of getting traded in the summer may increase.
Varela does have a $76 million (£59 million/€70 million) release clause, but Porto is probably going to accept a little less. The midfield player is reportedly admired by Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund as well.
Varela drew attention when Porto defeated Arsenal in the first leg, and he will be hoping for another strong showing at the Emirates, according to Liverpool.com. With the arrival of four midfielders last summer, Liverpool’s new manager probably has other priorities this summer, but Varela is a genuine talent and should be taken into consideration.
Willian Pacho from Frankfurt’s Eintracht
If Liverpool wants to sign Willian Pacho this summer, they will have to pay a high price. The Ecuadorian defender has been a consistent starter for Eintracht Frankfurt this season after joining for $9.8 million (£7.6 million/€9 million) a year ago.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly considering him, according to Sky Germany. The Reds are anticipated to recruit a centre defender this summer because Joël Matip’s contract is about to expire. Pacho is a left-footed player who might improve the defence.
Frankfurt, meanwhile, is apparently unwilling to let him go and will only take a whopping $65 million (£51 million/€60 million). After joining the Bundesliga team, Pacho inked a five-year contract that the team is not under any pressure to sell.
According to Liverpool.com, Pacho is a left-footed centre defender who Liverpool is expected to recruit this summer. Even though this is only his first season in Germany, several clubs have probably taken notice of him based on his performances. Frankfurt will ask for a high price for him, but for present, it appears to be a cost that is reasonable.