Liverpool enquire about signing 22-year-old midfielder with £60.4 million release clause: Reports
Liverpool reportedly wish to acquire the services of midfielder Alan Varela in the summer transfer window.
According to journalist Leo Pardizo, the Reds are set to face competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City for the Porto man's signature (via GiveMeSport).
The 22-year-old is considered to be among the first names around which incoming coach at Anfield, Arne Slot, wishes to build his squad. Currently, the Merseysiders turn to Wataru Endo to perform the number six role.
However, with the Japan international aged 31, he is certainly not considered a long-term option. This season, Varela has made 44 appearances across competitions for his Portuguese employers, bagging two goals and three assists.
However, a deal for the Argentine midfielder will not be cheap, with this report claiming that he currently has a release clause of £60.4 million on his contract. Should he complete a move to Liverpool, Varela will earn himself the opportunity to compete for top honors with the Reds.
Under Jurgen Klopp in the past nine years, the Reds have competed for the Premier League with Manchester City more often than not. They managed to win the English top-flight in the 2019/20 season while lifting the Champions League the previous year.
This time around, Klopp's team finished third in the league standings, nine points short of champions Manchester City. However, they've earned themselves Champions League football for the upcoming campaign.
Barcelona eyeing a move for deep-lying Liverpool midfielder - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly looking to sign Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara on a free transfer this summer. According to AS, the Blaugrana will look to snap up the former Spain international's services once his contract at Anfield runs out in June (via One Football).
However, the Catalan side may have to reconsider their choice, given the midfielder's recent issues with injuries. This season, the 33-year-old only managed to play five minutes of Premier League action as he spent most of his time recovering from a hip problem.
Although he would undoubtedly add quality to any midfield, Thiago's fitness issues could be a significant stumbling block. Overall, he made 98 appearances across competitions for Liverpool after joining the club in the summer of 2020.
Should the move to Camp Nou materialize, Thiago will be back at the club where he spent most of his youth career days and made 100 senior appearances.