One of the positions Liverpool need to strengthen is midfield as Arne Slot looks to put his stamp on the squad following Jurgen Klopp's exit in the summer. The 23-year-old had an impressive debut season at the Dragao after completing the move from Boca Juniors last summer.
Varela helped the Portuguese giants win the Taca de Portugal and Supertaca last season, and played 44 games across all competitions. With that said, the ECHO has taken a look at the latest surrounding the Argentina international.
Latest reports and our stance
Varela has been linked with Liverpool with the Argentina international reportedly having a release clause set at €70million (£59m). However, Argentinian outlet TyC Sports have reported his release clause has risen to €90m (£76m) in the last few days as the Portuguese giants are determined to keep hold of their captain.
Senior figures at Liverpool, however, have dismissed genuine interest and believe the 23-year-old's agent to be the source of the reports out of South America.
Elsewhere, The Athletic also share a similar view with journalist James Pearce stating the club are 'not planning a late move' for the midfielder.
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Varela stance
The midfielder has admitted his goal is to one day, play in the Premier League. "We always want to improve, any player wants to play for a league as important as the Premier League," he said.
However, he's not in a hurry to make that switch. "I am calm, I try to work in the best way possible and when the moment comes, it comes," Varela added.
After completing the move to the Dragao last summer, Varela was handed the captaincy by boss Vitor Bruno following the retirement of Pepe.
"It's a huge privilege. Wearing the captain's armband at Boca Juniors, is something unique, we all know what that means. And being recognised this way at Porto is really good," he concluded.
Contract situation
The 23-year-old is under contract at the Dragao until 2028 after Porto paid £6m (€8m) to Boca Juniors for his services last summer.
The Argentinian giants would also be entitled to a 20 percent fee from a future sale.
Vitor Bruno comments
"Alan Varela is highly regarded in the dressing room, he imposes himself and he does not need to communicate all the time, his gesture will say it all," he said. "It was very natural the way in which he became captain. His colleagues didn't even question the decision.
"Alan represents the spirit of Porto and the values of the club. With Pepe's retirement, it seemed natural to us for him to feature in that list [of options]."
Opinion
A key player and a highly-rated leader for the Dragoes, I can't see Porto willing to negotiate his transfer after just a year when the club can benefit immensely from his services. Following Pepe's departure, who was a huge leader, on and off the pitch, Varela is just what the club needed.
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot looks on during the Premier League match against Brentford at Anfield on August 25 2024
He's someone who has fitted the club like a glove, somebody who shares the same values and will always leave everything on the pitch. He quickly he established himself in the team, becoming an undisputed starter.
Across 34 Primeira Liga games last term, Varela started 28 of those and during the season, he won 55.6% of tackles, recovered 123 balls and made 23 interceptions, while also registering a 90% pass accuracy. To complement those statistics, he created 29 chances and registered a 69% long ball accuracy.
While this summer transfer window has seen players leave Porto as new president Andre Villas Boas continues to make changes at the club, supporters will be pleased to see Varela stay put, for now. Given this is his first year in Europe, I believe he still has a lot more to show and give to Porto, win more trophies before taking a big step to the Premier League.
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