Manchester City Join Race To Sign This FC Porto Emerging Star: What Will He Bring? | OneFootball

FC Porto’s Argentine midfielder #22 Alan Varela kicks the ball during the Portuguese League football match between FC Porto and Moreirense FC at the Dragao stadium in Porto on January 20, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Varela has two goals and three assists to his name in 44 games this season. He averaged 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, and 1 clearance per game (stats via whoscored).

The Argentine is known for his defensive duties on the pitch. He positions himself well to cut down threats and also win the possession back. While his passing accuracy is good, he has also the ability to shoot from long distances.

Will Manchester City make an official move?

Manchester City already have the likes of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic for a similar position. However, both of them are on the wrong side of 30. Hence, the alleged interest in Alan Varela is not surprising at all.

Boss Pep Guardiola has always enjoyed buying young talents and transferring them to world-class players. The case with Varela should be no different as he has immense potential. With proper guidance and experience, he can improve his game and serve the club for a long period.

Signing the 22-year-old will be financially feasible and require no hard work. However, the Citizens should be quick in their approach as arch-rivals Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the youngster.

From the player’s point of view, joining the Reds might be more lucrative as he would get more game time compared to City, where they already have a star-studded midfield line-up.