Liverpool close to signing next Javier Mascherano in a major transfer deal
This article contains affiliate links, and the website will receive a commission on any sales generated from it. Learn more about this.
Porto star Alan Varela may be on his way to Liverpool in a significant summer transfer. Liverpool is reportedly the closest Premier League team to securing the services of Varela, who has been compared to the ‘next Javier Mascherano’.
Several players, including Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo, joined Liverpool within the past year, but Varela is considered to be a valuable addition for the team’s future. Despite recently moving to Portugal, he made a strong impression against Arsenal in the Champions League and received praise during his debut European season.
Mundo Boca suggests that Liverpool is interested in bringing him to Anfield, despite his £60 million release clause and the 20 per cent sell-on fee for Boca Juniors. Former Wolves star Ruben Neves has spoken highly of Varela, describing him as a “complete” midfielder and likening him to the former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano.
Neves mentioned Varela’s defensive prowess, positioning, and ability to contribute in attack, indicating that he has been a crucial player for his team. Endo and Mac Allister have primarily filled Fabinho’s role as Liverpool’s holding midfielder this season, leading the club to view Varela as a valuable asset in an advanced midfield position.
Ruben Amorim, the Sporting boss and favored candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp, has firsthand experience watching Varela and could potentially benefit from acquiring one of his rival club’s top players.
