As the transfer window nears its end, Liverpool are making a last-minute push to strengthen their squad.
One area the club is particularly focused on is the defensive midfield position.
According to Argentine journalist German Garcia Grova, the Reds have set their sights on Porto’s Argentine midfielder, Alan Varela.
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Liverpool’s race against time
With the deadline fast approaching, Liverpool are in a race against time to secure Varela’s services. Porto, however, are holding firm, demanding the full £75.6 million ($99.6m) release clause for the 23-year-old. Despite this, reports from earlier in the summer suggested that the release clause could be as low as £54.6 million ($72m).
Varela himself seems eager to make the leap to the Premier League. In a recent interview with ESPN Argentina, he expressed his ambition:
“We always want to improve and make the leap to a league as important as the Premier League, but I’m calm. I try to work as much as possible and the moment will come when it comes.”
With a calm head and versatility in midfield, Varela has quickly made a name for himself at Porto, racking up 44 appearances in just one season. His ability to play both as a single pivot and in a double pivot makes him an attractive option for Liverpool.
The young midfielder is under contract with Porto until 2028, giving the Portuguese club a strong position in negotiations.
With little time left in the transfer window, Liverpool faces an uphill battle to bring Varela to Anfield. The Reds will need to push hard to secure a deal, whether it’s for now or in the near future.