The striker, who spent six years with PAOK, is the son of Casa Pia defender Fernando Varela. He joined the Portuguese side in the 2021–2022 season. The 19-year-old has scored one goal in three Premier League International Cup games and four goals in 18 B team appearances this season.

Varela has also participated in three Youth League games as a junior.

It was an objective. I intended to stay at Benfica and extend my contract when I first came here. “I want to express my gratitude to the club for their support and pledge to work hard to accomplish my personal and team objectives,” he told BTV, pointing to his desire to break into the starting lineup.

“Obviously, I want to be on the A team, but I understand that there is still much work to be done.” The Portugal youth international said, “I'm in the B team right now, and my goal is to work year after year and then try to earn my place in the first team.”

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A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn