Liverpool’s Pursuit of £75m Midfielder Ends in Frustration Before Deadline Day

As the summer transfer window edges toward its close, Liverpool find themselves in a familiar position: needing to make last-minute decisions to strengthen their squad. Despite a sluggish start to their transfer activity this summer, the Reds are still in the market, with clear gaps in the team that require addressing. The central defensive midfield position remains a particular area of concern for new head coach Arne Slot.

https://twitter.com/GerGarciaGrova/status/1829269204723204138

Late Moves in the Transfer Market

Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer has been marked by delays and near-misses. Their first signing was only confirmed on August 27th, leaving them with precious little time to finalise any further additions. As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline, it’s evident that Liverpool must act decisively if they are to reinforce their squad adequately.

The search for a new No.6 has been a priority for the club, especially after the departure of key players in that position. While Liverpool initially set their sights on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, the Spaniard’s decision to remain in La Liga left the Reds scrambling for alternatives. It appears, however, that Liverpool had a second option in mind, one that also ultimately proved elusive.

Failed Bid for Alan Varela

Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that Liverpool made a late attempt to secure the services of Porto’s Alan Varela. The Argentine midfielder, seen as an ideal alternative to Zubimendi, was reportedly the subject of informal discussions between Liverpool and Porto just two weeks ago. Argentine journalist German Garcia Grova highlighted this on social media, noting that Liverpool made “a last attempt” to sign Varela, only to be met with a steep asking price of €90 million (£75 million).

According to Grova, Liverpool’s interest was real, but Porto’s stance was firm: they were not willing to part with their midfielder for anything less than his release clause. Other Argentine journalists, including the well-respected Cesar Luis Merlo, corroborated this, stating that Porto had declared Varela non-transferable in this market and were focused on improving his contract, which runs until June 2028.

Liverpool are not planning a late move for Porto’s Alan Varela

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) August 29, 2024

Mixed Signals and Deadline Day Uncertainty

As with any high-profile transfer saga, conflicting reports and speculation are to be expected. While some sources suggested Liverpool were serious about making a move for Varela, others poured cold water on the idea. James Pearce, a journalist closely associated with Liverpool, took to social media to dismiss the notion of a late move for the 23-year-old. His post on X (formerly Twitter) stated clearly that Liverpool “are not planning a late move for Porto’s Alan Varela.”

This statement, while seemingly definitive, does not entirely close the door on the possibility of a last-minute twist. Transfer deadline day has a history of throwing up surprises, and Liverpool fans will be all too aware that anything can happen in the frantic final hours of the window.

What Next for Liverpool?

With the Varela move now seemingly off the table, Liverpool’s focus will need to shift quickly if they are to address the gaps in their squad. The central defensive midfield position remains a critical area of need, and without a new signing, the team may struggle to compete at the highest level this season.

Arne Slot’s first transfer window as Liverpool manager has been challenging, and the club’s late activity in the market reflects the urgency of the situation. Whether Liverpool can pull off a late signing or not, the decisions made in these final hours will have significant implications for the season ahead.

Keeping an Eye on Deadline Day

As the transfer window ticks down, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see if their club can finalise any deals. While the pursuit of Alan Varela appears to have ended in frustration, there may still be other opportunities for the Reds to strengthen their squad. The closing stages of the transfer window are often unpredictable, and Liverpool’s management will need to remain vigilant and ready to act if the right opportunity arises.

In the meantime, the focus will turn to how the current squad can meet the challenges of the new season, especially with the central midfield still appearing to be an area in need of reinforcement. Whether Liverpool can surprise their supporters with a last-minute signing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this has been a transfer window filled with twists, turns, and plenty of tension.