Liverpool are planning to bring in FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela to Anfield during the next transfer window.
Likened to ex-Liverpool star Javier Mascherano, Alan Varela is winning plenty of plaudits for his displays at the heart of FC Porto’s midfield this season since arriving from Boca Juniors in August. The Argentina international, 22, has made 28 appearances for the Portuguese giants to date, with seven of those coming in the Champions League including the 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of the round of 16 last week.
Liverpool reportedly sent scouts to watch Varela in action against Arsenal in the Champions League tie at the Estadio da Dragao. They are believed to be contemplating activating the 22-year-old defensive midfielder’s £60 million release clause in the summer.
Liverpool to trigger Alan Varela’s release clause?
Liverpool reinforced their midfield unit during the last summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. But the Premier League leaders remain poised to strengthen their squad further and feel Alan Varela could be a solid addition.
With Jurgen Klopp having decided to leave the club at the end of the season, the Merseysiders must start putting plans in place as they aim to kickstart a new era of rich success. Varela has caught the eye with his dynamic play and defensive prowess in Porto colours, and his seamless adaption to European football, demonstrated by his Champions League performances this season, highlights his talent at the grand stage.
The Argentina under-20 international has a big future ahead of him, and he could prove to be the ideal long-term replacement for Endo, who turned 31 last month. A move to Liverpool will be a tempting opportunity for him, and the player will likely be attracted to the idea of playing at Anfield next season.
Paying Varela’s release clause should ideally not be an issue for Liverpool, but if they want the player to join their forces, they must act quickly before other European clubs start circling.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
