Porto complete Alan Varela signing as rumours of João Moutinho return gather pace
A summer-long transfer saga finally ended yesterday when Boca Juniors captain Alan Varela put pen to paper on a five-year contract with FC Porto.
The Dragons paid a transfer fee of €8 million euros, with €3m in add-ons, for the combative 22-year-old midfielder.
Later in the afternoon rumours began to gather pace in the Portuguese press that João Moutinho may make a return to the club.
Born on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Alan Varela became an integral part of the historical Argentinian side at a young age. He played 110 times for Boca and was one of the team captains who led the club to the championship in 2022.
“I’m really happy to arrive at a club as big as FC Porto and I can’t wait to get to know my new teammates, the club facilities. I’m so happy,” said Varela.
“It’s a beautiful stadium. I can’t wait to play here and I’m going to get straight down to hard work to try and earn the trust of the coach for the game this coming weekend.
“I promise to give my all for the team. I want to play as many games as possible and I’ll give 100% in every one of them.
“I’d like to thank the fans for the welcome messages. I’m really happy to be here and I hope that together we can achieve our goals.”
Varela adds to Sérgio Conceição’s midfield options, on top of the recent signing of former Barcelona midfielder Nico González and the recall of Romário Baró, who spent last season on loan at Casa Pia.
Moutinho return?
And reinforcements in this department may not stop here. Rumours in the Portuguese press suggest club icon João Moutinho is set to return to the club.
The former Portugal international enjoyed a hugely successful 3-year spell at the Estádio do Dragão after joining from rivals Sporting, conquering the Primeira Liga championship three seasons in a row and also winning the Europa League and the Portuguese Cup.
By Tom Kundert