Liverpool transfers: Reds focus in on Argentine after 2nd scouting mission

Liverpool had a closer look at a midfield target this week with a scouting mission ahead of the summer transfer window.

O Jogo reports that Liverpool scouted Alan Varela at the weekend as FC Porto faced Vitoria Guimaraes. The Argentine has grown a significant reputation this season since moving to Porto from Boca Juniors back in August.

In fact, this isn’t the first time Liverpool have sent scouts to look at Varela. They scouted him against Arsenal in February and have already considered his release clause.

The decision to scout him again suggests the Reds are pretty serious about their interest here. Varela, who is still only 22, might be the long-term defensive midfielder that they’re after, having failed to sign one last summer.

Wataru Endo did arrive but at 31, Liverpool will already be thinking beyond his prime years. The Argentine could be what they’re looking for - but it won’t be easy to get him.

Liverpool and Alan Varela

Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are all mentioned in this same article. In other words, competition for Varela is remarkably fierce and that’s likely down to his release clause.

That clause reportedly sits at around £60m, which is significantly less than some other clauses out of Portugal. Enzo Fernandez, for instance, went for over £100m a little over a year ago.

£60m for Varela, given he doesn’t turn 23 until July, could ultimately be a steal for a European giant. He’s got plenty of years left at the top and already performs at an elite level, after all.

As for Liverpool, it’s an impossible one to judge. Do you know who the manager will be next season? No, neither do we. It’ll probably be Ruben Amorim but if he does arrive, he’d likely want to play 3-4-3. Signing a new defensive midfielder for £60m is suddenly a difficult decision with the cut-back on midfielders.

If the new manager, whoever he is, does want a new DM, then it does sound as though Liverpool would like Varela. But there’s still a few more steps to make before settling on that.