Liverpool could sign midfielder being touted as the 'next Mascherano'. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool defender, Javier Mascherano was a special player. The Spanish defender is better remembered for his time with FC Barcelona. During his time in Spain, Mascherano won 2x UCL, 5x Spanish Championships, 5x Spanish Cups, 2x UEFA Supercups, and 3x Spanish Super Cups.
It is safe to say that Mascherano is remembered as a legend of the Catalan side but not many know that it was Liverpool that sent him out into the world of football. Now, Football Insider reports that the Reds are planning on signing the ‘next Javier Mascherano’.
The team has identified Alan Varela as a target for this summer. This past season Varela made a total of 42 appearances for Portuguese side Sporting CP and even chimed in with five-goal contributions over that period.
It is worth noting that Varela has hit his stride while playing under Ruben Amorim. Those who followed the Liverpool managerial saga will know that at one point in time, Amorim seemed like the favorite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
If the team had signed him instead of Arne Slot, they’d surely be having an easier time signing the ‘next Mascherano’. Currently, it seems like the Reds will have to trigger the Argentina midfielder’s £60m release clause to get him to the table.
However, even if the Reds do end up triggering Varela’s release clause, there is absolutely no guarantee that he’d be willing to make the switch to Anfield.
Varela shows a lot of promise and might even eclipse Mascherano in terms of skill. However, any reports linking him to Liverpool should be taken with a pinch of salt. It’ll be better to temper expectations till we get official word from the club.
If he does end up at Liverpool fans will hope that he doesn’t end up becoming a legend for another club like Mascherano did with Barcelona.
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