ESPN Argentina journalist Leo Paradizo revealed that Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich want FC Porto defensive midfielder Alan Varela
Journalist Leo Paradizo stated that Liverpool are ready to battle Manchester City and Bayern Munich for Porto midfielder Alan Varela. Varela played a pivotal role for Porto last season and won Taca de Portugal by beating Sporting CP in the finals.
Standing at 1.77 metres, the Argentina U23 plays mostly as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder for his team. Varela is athletically well-built and physically strong to shield the ball against any opponent to maintain possession in tight spaces.
The 22-year-old joined Porto from Boca Juniors and established himself quickly in the senior team despite the vast league difference. The young players that move from another continent usually take time to adapt to European football apart from a few.
Varela has played mostly in a double pivot of midfield at Porto, shielding the defence as a tenacious defensive midfielder. The Argentine covers the spaces between the midfield and the defence, using his positioning sense and reading the game well.
The 22-year-old possesses aggression in his playing style but applies good decision-making and composure to maintain control in the midfield. On possession, Varela is a brilliant passer of the ball and registers high passing accuracy to dictate tempo.
The Argentine made 44 appearances in all competitions for Porto, scoring two goals and providing three assists last season. Paradizo reported (via Deportes 24 – Argentina on X) that Man City, Bayern and Liverpool want Varela during the summer.
Liverpool have a strong midfield but they have not properly replaced Fabinho despite signing Wataru Endo during last summer. While Endo delivered a strong performance, he struggled to keep up with strong dribblers and the pace of the Premier League.
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Stefan Bajcetic missed most of the last season and despite his availability, the Reds need more options. Liverpool needs an upgrade in the defensive midfield department and Varela is a strong candidate for them.
