Press speculation in Italy earlier this week linked Liverpool with a move for Fiorentina winger Juan Manuel Vargas, so what do we know of him?
Vargas is currently the captain of Peru and started out life playing for Universitario de Deportes in his homeland. A youth team player at the club since 1999, he progressed into the Peruvian club’s first team in 2004, and quickly became a fan’s favourite because of some crucial contributions in front of goal. He soon attracted the attention of bigger clubs and was swiftly bought up by Argentinean top division side Colon.
Again, he established himself as a first team regular during his two year stay in Argentina and attracted interest from Europe, especially from Italian side Catania. He arrived in Italy for the start of the 2006/07 season as the small Italian club tried to keep their top flight status in Serie A. With Vargas in the team, Catania managed to punch above their weight and managed to stay in the top league for two consecutive seasons.
One of the Catania’s most consistent players during this period was the Peruvian Vargas who had become an essential player for the side, and it was not long before bigger Italian clubs were attracted to the player. Despite speculation that he was moving to Real Madrid no less, it was confirmed before the start of the 2008/09 campaign that he had joined Fiorentina for €12million.
Vargas initially played as a full back and was heavily criticised for his inconsistent performances and his lack of defensive abilities. When he was moved further forward however, into more offensive midfield roles, Vargas began to shine. Playing either as a left winger, as a holding midfielder or even as a trequartista, the Peruvian shined and he particularly excelled with his crossing abilities, long shots and free kicks.
Vargas helped Fiorentina to the knock out stages of the Champions League in 2010 after helping to beat Liverpool in the group stages, and has become a crucial figure for the Italian club. In recent days, the Italian press have suggested that Liverpool have offered €13million for the player, although Vargas was quick to deny such speculation:
“The rumours do not interest me,” Vargas told Tuttomercatoweb. “I am under contract with the Viola and I intend to respect it.
“All I am thinking about is finishing off the season well, which has been conditioned by injuries.”
The midfielder has two years left on his contract but with Fiorentina struggling in 10th in Serie A, and with no hope of European football next season, the Florence club may still be tempted to sell.
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This article was originally posted on Live4Liverpool by David Tully
