Liverpool have begun “formal talks” with Porto about signing midfielder Alan Varela, according to Mundo Boca Radio reporter Luis Fregossi.
The journalist claims that the Reds are “the closest” team to securing the services of the Argentinian international ahead of the summer transfer window.
Varela has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks but fans on X are sceptical about the reports, especially as the club have yet to appoint a replacement for manager Jurgen Klopp:
No chance 😇
— Gavin 🤪 (@Gavstar79) April 20, 2024
no way we’re bidding for any player before having a new manager in place
— P.C. (@pascanay) April 20, 2024
He’s not worth more than 35 but he’s signed a new deal till 2028. 45 tops
— Em (@Em26831607) April 21, 2024
If we sign a player before a manager then we gonna be the new Manchester United.
— Blessed Vaughn (@FreshAirlfc) April 20, 2024
Couldn’t they have gotten him for like 20 million 8 months ago 😂
— Jay Julo (@real_cloudyy) April 20, 2024
Who's calling the shots
— Dominic Mukungu (@MukDomi) April 21, 2024
Big No
— Mas Mase (@massoudinho) April 21, 2024
Varela has a release clause
Liverpool can sign the 22-year-old if they pay the €70m (£60m) buyout fee in his contract but that is a sizeable amount for a player who cost Porto just €8m.
As some supporters have pointed out, shelling out such a big sum without the club having decided on their next manager would be rather odd.
Liverpool will have rivals for the player’s signature
Reports in the Portuguese media a couple of weeks ago confirmed that the Reds are tracking Varela but they are not the only team contemplating an offer for the midfielder at the end of the season.
It is believed that Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have also sent scouts to watch Porto in action this month, with at least some of those teams thought to be keeping tabs on Varela.
