Will Porto Star become the next Liverpool Anchor?

After almost an entire season without signing an elite defensive midfielder (which was so urgently needed), the entire fan base can still look back and be satisfied with the performances of their Japanese warrior, Wataru Endō, who filled that void until an acceptable standard. Following the sales of both former Fabinho and Reds captain Jordan Henderson, former sporting director Jörg Schmadtke was asked to bring in a brilliant young alternative to add to his superb captures Alexis McAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

🚨 Bayern are among the clubs chasing Porto midfielder Alan Varela.

➡️ Liverpool and Chelsea also sent scouts.
➡️ Varela has a release clause of 70 million euros.
➡️ But Porto is open to sell at a lower fee.#fcbayern (@ojogo) pic.twitter.com/VmjKKFH8N8

— Marcel Moeller (@mmarcelandreas) April 10, 2024

Unfortunately for the Reds, Chelsea fended off attempts to sign Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia last summer, meaning another hunt is undoubtedly underway. Michael Edwards returned to the club as CEO Sporting and Richard Hughes was now in the role of Sporting Director. An assignment to replace Fabinho must now be at the top of the to-do list, with my latest article detailing the destructive skills of Atalanta’s ferocious midfielder Ederson. This later piece will now focus on another option that has been flying all season. Various sources have told us that the recruitment department favored a move for Alan Varela last summer (over Wataru Endō), who eventually signed for Porto for less than €10m. In this tight season, the Portuguese club is in a serious financial crisis, which could encourage the Reds to look again at the Argentine enforcer.

Below are some details about this person of interest.

Alan Varela
Club – Porto
Nationality – Argentina
Age – 24 years DOB – 04/07/2001
Height – 5ft 10inch
Weight – 77 kg
Playing positions – CDM / CM
Appearances – 155 games
Goals and assists – 4 goals / 7 assists
Expiration of the contract – June 30, 2028
Transfermarkt value – EUR 25 million
The estimated cost of the transaction – EUR 40 million
Selections under 20 years of age from Argentina – 3

Record reports Porto have failed to comply with FFP in recent months, likely to pay fine to avoid European ban. Considering the finances, maybe an opportunity for Alan Varela (22). O jogo confirms that LFC recently sent scouts to watch him. A very familiar player to us from the Boca Jr days. pic.twitter.com/G4rXd7T9t0

— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) April 16, 2024

The second name on my list of potential defensive midfielders is former Boca Juniors prodigy Alan Varela. The tenacious but talented, deep lying midfielder offers more finesse than Ederson and many have compared his style of play to that of Manchester City’s Rodri. Although the Porto man has only been in the Primeira Liga for a solitary campaign, his progression and skill on the pitch has been undeniable. The only real downside is the apparent lack of physicality, which contrasts sharply with Michael Edwards’ latest defensive midfielder Fabinho and Atalanta powerhouse Ederson. The one-time Brazilian genius was bought from Monaco in the early stages of Jürgen Klopp’s reign to immerse himself in a rock and roll style of football, however a more measured and tactical approach seems more likely under the new head coach , Arne Slot. . Many theories and names will continue to emerge through this vital window of change, although only the key decision makers at Liverpool will know who and what they want most. If a shield of control is sought, the future name of the Argentina International will almost certainly come into play, which will likely be determined in the next few weeks.

Steven Smith