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Liverpool face significant competition for the signature of Argentine youth star

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By Siddharth Juyal

Liverpool have to beat top European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund to sign Porto star Alan Varela

Porto defensive midfielder Alan Varela is a transfer target for top European clubs including Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. Varela is playing his first season with Porto after signing for the Portuguese club from Boca Juniors in the summer.

The Argentina U20 has caught the eye of many top European clubs as he continues to shine for Porto. Varela plays as a defensive and central midfielder, demonstrating incredible ability to dictate tempo and create moves.

He has the technique and vision to distribute progressive passes from the deep and start the moves for his team. Standing at 1.77 metres, he possesses strong first touch and close control of the ball, keeping possession in tight spaces.

Liverpool have to beat top European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund to sign Porto star Alan Varela.  (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
FC Porto’s Argentine midfielder #22 Alan Varela (TOP) vies with Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard during the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg football match. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has shown tactical awareness, game intelligence and a strong sense of positioning to cover up spaces and eliminate threats. However, his main contribution is when the team has possession as he becomes a focus point to create progressive moves.

While Varela lacks the physical attributes, he has helpful aggression and pace on and off the ball. The Argentinian has appeared in 30 games for Porto in all competitions, contributing with two goals and two assists.

Fichajes reported that Liverpool, Dortmund and PSG are eyeing to make a move for Varela during the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old has a release clause of €70million and Porto would want to keep their new signing.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revamped the midfield during the summer transfer window, playing a pivotal role in this season’s success. Every signing has contributed immensely as the Reds continue to challenge for every trophy after already winning the Carabao Cup.

Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have developed a formidable partnership, capable of playing as a number six. Furthermore, Trent Alexander-Arnold is also making a gradual shift to a more central role, displaying quality to dictate the game.

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Liverpool needs to fill the vacant sporting director role and find a suitable successor for Klopp before they decide to sign new players. Varela fits the profile for the Reds he has a long road to prove himself in Europe. Furthermore, Liverpool’s stacked midfield and the high cost for Porto to let go of the 22-year-old would complicate any potential transfer.