Talks begin to sign ‘next Mascherano’

Liverpool’s search for midfield reinforcements this summer has brought new developments with Porto’s Alan Varela.

Having signed Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, it would appear that the Reds – under new head coach Arne Slot – are in the market for a more defensive midfielder to provide competition for Wataru Endo.

Talks of a £40m bid for Ederson from Atalanta have been rejected this summer, although the Reds will need to pony up an extra £20m if they are to bring the aforementioned Varela to Anfield during the transfer window as the midfielder would be £60m. release clause in his Porto contract.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have held internal talks with Porto over a deal. Having completed deals for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez in recent years, the Reds are said to be keen to return to the Portuguese market, led by their data-driven scouting system under Michael Edwards.

Varela made 43 appearances for Porto in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, including eight in the Champions League, where they fell in the last 16 to Arsenal on penalties. However, the midfielder came into his own by winning 0.8 tackles and making 1.3 clearances per 90 minutes.

To be linked with a move to Liverpool after one season in Europe’s top league is testament to the 22-year-old’s development over the past 12 months, while Porto are set to make a significant profit after signing him on Varela for £6.8m from Boca. Juniors last summer.

Uefa Champions League FC Porto vs FC Barcelona Barca Round 2 of 6 Porto Portugal October 4, 2023 UEFA Champions League FC Porto vs FC Barcelona Round 2 of 6 at Estadio do Dragao FC Porto Alan Varela, photo by guelbergoes Porto Portugal

Varela “the next Javier Mascherano”

Comparisons with former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano began to emerge for Varela during the campaign, with comments from Porto boss Sergio Conceicao highlighting some similarities.

“I wanted a player who could occupy the same space as (Matheus) Uribe,” Conceicao told O Jogo in February. I saw the potential to fit into the defensive line when a center back drops into coverage. He (Varela) didn’t venture forward too much, but it was for tactical reasons, because I think he gets well in front, defines well, has a good long pass and a good shot.

“There’s been an interesting evolution. to appear more often. That’s what we ask from midfielders.”