THIAGO ALCANTARA REPLACEMENT: PORTO STAR TO BECOME NEXT LIVERPOOL ANCHOR?

IS ALAN VARELA THE DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD SOLUTION?

After nearly a full season without the signing of an elite-level defensive midfielder (that was so urgently required), the entire fanbase can still look back and be content with the performances of their Japanese warrior, Wataru Endō, who filled that void to an acceptable standard. Following the sales of both Fabinho and the Reds former skipper, Jordan Henderson, there was a demand placed on the former Sporting Director, Jörg Schmadtke, to source a brilliant young alternative who could add to the superb captures of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Unfortunately for the Reds, Chelsea scuppered the attempted signings of both Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia last summer, which means another hunt is undoubtedly underway. Michael Edwards returned to the club as the Sporting CEO, and Richard Hughes was now in the role of Sporting Director. A remit to replace Fabinho must now be top of the to do list, with my most recent article detailing the destructive abilities of Atalanta’s ferocious midfielder, Ederson. This follow-up piece will now focus on another option that has been rumbling away all season. Various sources have told us that the recruitment department favoured a move for Alan Varela last summer (ahead of Wataru Endō), who eventually signed for Porto for less than €10m. This close season sees the Portuguese club in dire financial straits, which could encourage the Reds to look at the Argentine enforcer again.

Below are some details on this particular person of interest.

Alan Varela

Club – Porto

Nationality – Argentina

Age – 24-years-old DOB – 04/07/2001

Height – 5ft 10inch

Weight – 77kg

Playing Positions – CDM / CM

Appearances – 155 games

Goals & Assists – 4 goals / 7 assists

Contract Expiry – June 30 2028

Transfermarkt Value – €25m

Projected Cost of Deal – €40m

Argentina Under-20 Caps – 3

The second name on my list of potential defensive midfielders is the former Boca Juniors prodigy, Alan Varela. The tenacious yet talented deep lying midfielder offers more finesse than Ederson, and many have likened his style of play to that of Manchester City’s Rodri. Though the Porto man has only been in the Primeira Liga for a solitary campaign, his progression and prowess on the pitch has been undeniable. The only real downside is the apparent lack of physicality, which starkly contrasts the last defensive midfield recruit of Michael Edwards, Fabinho, and the Atalanta enforcer, Ederson. The brilliant Brazilian of old was bought from Monaco during the initial stages of Jürgen Klopp reign to immerse into a rock and roll style of football, however, a more measured and tactical approach appears more likely under the stewardship of the new head coach, Arne Slot. Many theories and names will continue to emerge through this vital window of change, though only the key decision makers at Liverpool will know who and what they desire most. If a controlling shield is sought, the future name of Argentina International will almost definitely come into play, which will likely be determined in the next few weeks.