Liverpool has inquired about Porto midfielder Alan Varela’s availability and taken the initial step towards signing him.
As Arne Slot moves to Liverpool this summer, additional players will likely be added as the Dutchman tries to assemble a team in his image. Alan Varela of Porto may be the first.
With Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year tenure ending last week, a new era at Liverpool awaits. Slot comes in with his own plans and transfer targets in an attempt to bolster and rejuvenate a team that came dangerously close to winning the Premier League in 2023–2024.
Journalist Leo Pardizo from Argentina claims that the Reds have made inquiries regarding a possible transfer for Alan Varela, a midfield player for Porto. They do, however, face fierce competition from several European teams; the Argentine is reportedly being linked to Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool Is Interested in Varela
He might join with the Reds as their first summer acquisition.
Given that Liverpool’s midfield was so readily penetrated during the previous campaign, it makes sense that Slot would prioritise improving this part of the pitch. Although Waturo Endo had a respectable season and Alexis Mac Allister was doing well in the middle of the park, it might be argued that the Merseyside team needs a more natural defensive midfielder than Endo.
Thus, it seems natural that there are speculations that Varela is moving to the northwest of England. This season in Liga Portugal, the 22-year-old has made an impression, garnering praise for his ability to screen the back four, retain the ball, and make progress. He signed a contract for up to €11 million to join Porto from Boca Juniors last summer. He played 26 games, helping the team finish third in the Portuguese first division and advance to the Champions League round of 16.
According to Paradizo, the Argentine X account Deportes 24 tweeted that the Reds, along with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, have made first inquiries about a possible deal. Varela has a £60.4 million release clause in his current contract, according to ‘This is Anfield,’ making him a possible reasonable purchase for all three teams.
Slot will be able to give the highly sought-after player the chance to play more regular minutes than the other teams, even though Manchester City’s stability may give them an advantage over Liverpool and Bayern in luring the player. Compared to what Varela would face elsewhere, there is less competition in this area because Endo is the only real defensive midfielder on the Anfield team’s roster.
Varela Can Begin New Era at Liverpool He might try to centre his midfield on the gifted Argentine
Varela is a “Rolls-Royce” talent, according to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig. If Liverpool signs him, he will be the first player to join Anfield since Klopp did not sign him in the summer of 2015. When he starts to assemble his own team, he will be the first piece of the Slot puzzle.
In addition to complementing the current core of Mac Allister, Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch, signing Varela would give depth to a position that has lacked his kind of profile. After securing a midfield player, Slot might focus on bolstering the depth at centre and full back, as well as possibly signing another elite striker.
Archie Grey and Crysencio Summerville are two players the Carabao Cup champions have been connected to as Slot tries to establish himself on this team.