Could an FC Porto midfielder be Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips replacement?

Could FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela be Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips replacement? There is a vacancy in the treble winners squad for a defensive midfielder with the England international’s imminent move to West Ham set to be completed. FC Porto’s Argentine midfielder has been linked with a summer move to the treble winners as they seek to find a suitable player to complete their squad.

Alan Varela has been a mainstay of the FC Porto lineup this season. He has made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese giants. Varela has added one goal and two assists across the season for Porto.

Playing primarily as a defensive midfielder Varela has shone for FC Porto. His ability in possession and passing ability have stood out so far this season. Given these are prerequisites to play for Pep Guardiola he appears to be well-suited to Manchester City’s style of play.

The Argentine also appears to have the tactical awareness to be a solid backup option for City midfield mainstay Rodri. His ability to read the game and his defensive awareness out of possession are strong attributes of Varela. They would also seem to make him an ideal candidate for a role with the treble winners.

But Manchester City would face competition for the FC Porto midfielder if they were to make a summer move for Varela. Argentinian news outlet BolaVip reports that Liverpool are also interested in the midfielder. Furthermore, BolaVip reports that FC Porto would demand a fee of €70 million for Alan Varela. The price quoted matches the release clause in his contract. Varela’s current deal with FC Porto runs until 2028.

Alan Varela appears an intriguing prospect. Given his style of play, he would appear ideally suited to Manchester City if a move were to materialise.