Liverpool reignite chase for in-demand Argentinian midfield star

Big changes are coming to Liverpool’s midfield this summer.

The Reds last had a refit in that sector back in 2023 - when Jurgen Klopp and Jorg Schmadtke oversaw a full restock.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch all came on board - providing the bedrock for the 2024/25 Premier League title win.

But the form of Gravenberch and Mac Allister - not to mention the uncertain contract situation for Curtis Jones - have led to reports that the Anfield club may be in the market for reinforcements.

Liverpool back in for Alan Varela

According to Germán García Grova on X - an Argentine journalist - Liverpool recruiters may now come back in for an old flame in the shape of Alan Varela.

The Argentina international has just clinched the Portuguese league title with Porto under Francesco Farioli and is set to leave the Dragons this summer.

“Alan Varela would leave Porto in this transfer window,” he writes. “Man Utd, Liverpool and other clubs are after the Argentine midfielder according to European media reports.

“His contract with the Portuguese team expires in June 2030.”

Liverpool need midfielders this summer

Liverpool were first linked with Varela back when Klopp was still in charge. They were particularly impressed with his performances over two legs in the Champions League against Arsenal that season - and considered paying his release clause.

The former Boca Juniors player ultimately stayed put - winning his first title this season - but could now be set for a move to a European superclub.

Alan Varela: Situation summary

Alan Varela is a combative, press-resistant holding midfielder whose blend of aggression and composure in possession has made him one of Europe’s most coveted number sixes.

Born 4 July 2001 in Isidro Casanova, Varela is a 1.77m right-footed Argentine who came through Boca Juniors before joining Porto in August 2023.

He has since become a midfield cornerstone in Portugal, consistently starting and posting strong underlying numbers for ball recoveries and distribution.

Varela operates primarily as a defensive midfielder, screening the back line, breaking up play and dictating tempo from deep.

He is praised for his tenacity, intelligent pressing, anticipation and ability to play through pressure with crisp vertical passing, drawing Mascherano comparisons in some reports.

Porto extended Varela’s contract to June 2030 and raised his release clause to around €70–75m, after initially setting it at about €70m on his 2023 arrival. The club have rejected sizeable bids and are described as “tough sellers”, in part due to a Boca sell-on clause.

Varela is widely seen as one of the standout specialist sixes on the market, with Liverpool, PSG, Manchester United, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid all linked at various points.

Any 2026 move is expected to require triggering or getting very close to his €75m clause (roughly £65m), meaning only Europe’s financial heavyweights are realistic options.

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