Liverpool Interest in Alan Varela Grows Ahead of Summer Window
Liverpool are being credited with firm interest in FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela as the club assess potential midfield changes ahead of the summer transfer window.
Varela, 24, has become an important figure at FC Porto since joining from Boca Juniors in 2023, and his progress has attracted attention from England. Manchester United are also said to be monitoring the Argentina international, with Liverpool among the clubs looking closely at his situation.
FC Porto Hold Strong Negotiating Position
Prominent Argentine journalist German Garcia Grova reported on X:
“Alan Varela would leave Porto in this transfer window. Man Utd, Liverpool and other clubs are after the Argentine midfielder according to European media reports. His contract with the Portuguese team expires in June 2030.”
🚨Alan Varela dejaría #Porto en éste mercado de pases.
📍#ManUtd, #Liverpool y otros clubes están detrás del mediocentro 🇦🇷 según reportan medios europeos.
📌Su contrato con el equipo de 🇵🇹 caduca en Junio 2030 pic.twitter.com/okM4gbqJ8b
— Germán García Grova (@GerGarciaGrova) May 15, 2026
That contract length is significant. With Varela tied to FC Porto until 2030, the Portuguese club are under no pressure to sell cheaply. Any move from Liverpool would likely require a substantial fee, particularly if competition develops from Manchester United or other European sides.
Liverpool Midfield Questions Continue
Liverpool’s midfield was central to Arne Slot’s Premier League winning side in 2024/25, but this season has brought a different level of scrutiny. Dominik Szoboszlai has been the standout performer, while Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have struggled to consistently reach last season’s levels.
Mac Allister’s long term future has also come under focus. Paul Joyce recently reported that contract talks have not taken place, prompting further debate around whether the Argentina international could leave Anfield this summer.
Curtis Jones has also been linked with a potential departure, and that wider uncertainty makes Liverpool’s reported interest in Alan Varela notable.
Varela Could Reshape Slot’s Options
Varela is primarily a defensive midfielder, a role Gravenberch has occupied for Liverpool. His arrival could give Slot a specialist option at the base of midfield, while allowing Gravenberch to move into a more advanced role.
That may appeal to Liverpool, given Gravenberch’s attacking instincts and his return of six goals this season. A midfield featuring Varela, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch would offer balance, athleticism and technical security.
For now, Liverpool’s interest remains at the monitoring stage, but Varela’s profile fits a clear need. FC Porto will drive a hard bargain, yet if Liverpool decide midfield reinforcement is a priority, the Argentine could become one of the names to watch closely.
