Alan Varela would become the first new player under Arne Slot at Anfield after Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes reportedly initiated discussions with FC Porto. However, the 22-year-old talent, who thinks his career is being hindered on Merseyside, may partially counterbalance Hughes’ acquisition.
The Dutchman’s first three-year contract officially begins on Saturday, June 1, marking the start of the Slot era at Anfield. The 45-year-old will look to carry on the great work and achievements of his renowned predecessor at Liverpool, having been selected by Michael Edwards as the man most qualified to succeed the late Jurgen Klopp.
Even though Slot takes over a Liverpool team that is not in the best of health, he has found some important ways to bolster the group and make sure the Reds can improve upon the disappointing conclusion to the previous season.
Along with Edwards and Hughes, Slot has opted to clear the decks by allowing Joel Matip, Adrian, and Thiago Alcantara to leave Anfield at the conclusion of their contracts. All three will probably have replacements found.
TEAMtalk knows that Slot, along with Hughes and Edwards, has created a ranking of potential candidates for each post. Slot has already suggested several candidates for each position.
It is still possible to look for a new attacker, but that would only happen if one of their well-known players left. Currently, meanwhile, there is some ambiguity around Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Mo Salah, who Slot intends to retain.
Liverpool and Alan Varela “open talks”
However, Slot has designated a new No. 6 as a priority position.
Last season, Alexis Mac Allister was initially requested to play as Liverpool’s deepest midfielder, but Klopp soon discovered the Argentine’s best position was as a No 8. As a result, Liverpool struggled slightly to cover the position.
Another summer addition, Wataru Endo, too had ups and downs with the team but eventually proved his worth.
However, at 31, the Japan international is just considered a stopgap measure.
As a result, Slot is giving the acquisition of a new holding midfield player a priority. According to a reputable Argentinean journalist, negotiations are currently taking place to bring Porto star Varela to Anfield.
The 22-year-old just made the switch to Porto in August 2023 after signing a sweet €8 million contract with a further €3 million in add-ons from Boca Juniors.
The Argentina international immediately made a name for himself as one of the best No 6s in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and other elite teams took notice.
Liverpool is one of them, and according to Eduardo Burgos, the sporting director of the Reds, Hughes, has already started contract negotiations.
Boca is entitled to a portion of any sale, and the Reds are willing to pay the €70 million (£59.7 million) buyout clause.
Although Varela has not yet made his senior international debut for Argentina, the Reds are eager to sign him before the competition begins on Wednesday, July 24, and he will be a part of their squad for the Olympics in Paris this summer.
Sepp van den Berg request Liverpool exit
After the summer break, Slot will evaluate his team, and one player he won’t be able to rely on is squad member Sepp van den Berg, who has been out on loan multiple times since joining Liverpool in 2019.
The 22-year-old, who has only made four appearances in the League, is now resolved to retire after the most recent of them occurred with Mainz.
According to a story published in the De Telegraaf, Van den Berg believes the Reds are holding back his career and that he must move on in order to advance.
Although a permanent move to Mainz has been discussed, it appears that the Reds’ purported €20 million asking price will deter them.
Marcel van der Kraan wrote in his report: “The articulate and pragmatic Dutchman does not wish to be exploited as a plaything once more. According to him, you haven’t shown me much confidence throughout the years, but you do wish to stand in the way of my success. I want to keep playing every week and keep improving.
“His love for Liverpool has cooled down, but he is not resentful because of all the unfulfilled promises from his club.
Like Klopp before him, Arne Slot wants to watch him working on the preparation. Van den Berg, though, wants to make a transfer and follow his own route. He is currently among the top four fastest centre defenders in the Bundesliga and one of the greatest defenders overall.
Clubs in Germany, the Netherlands, and England are lining up as a result. He desires the freedom to choose.
