Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has been the subject of speculation linking him with a return to Real Madrid in the upcoming January transfer window.
The French foreigner left the Spanish capital for Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 in a £34m move, but having fallen down the pecking order of Erik ten Hag, rumours abound of an imminent departure. Varane has controlled just two starts in the last 12 games, and his coach opted to check the chosen central defensive partnerships.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with David Alaba and Eder Militao absent and, as a result, a new defender in January tops the coach’s wish list. According to Spanish outlet AS, Madrid are keen to oversee Varane’s team. return.
The same report states that Varane would be open to being replaced and that his lucrative salary demands would not be an impediment in the eyes of the white hierarchy. The Frenchman is free to hold talks with foreign clubs from January 1 if United do not activate their option to extend his contract and amid all the speculation, comments beyond the defender have resurfaced.
Speaking to the French edition of GQ magazine earlier this year, Varane questioned whether United would be the club he would stay at until the end of his playing career and admitted it was “a serious option”. However, he also talked about two destinations to choose from.
“I will finish my career in Madrid, Manchester or Lens. No move to any other club,” explained the World Cup winner. “But Madrid is confusing to me. Players don’t go back there. The ultimate end result probably today is that I finish [my career at the club] or Manchester or Lens. “
Should Varane sign for Real Madrid? Comments below
United now only have to play for FA Cup and Champions League qualification and in turn, Ten Hag is set to cut ties with a number of players in the January transfer window. However, Varane is believed to be one of them, with the Reds. The Devils boss is willing to remain the defender.
Ten Hag recently addressed Varane’s lack of game time over the last two months and simply put it down to the level of competition for places. “There is internal competition, which is normal in big clubs,”When your chance comes, you must seize it and the others must fight to find their place.”
Join our new WhatsApp network! Click this link to get your fix of Mirror Football content. We also provide members of our network with special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our network, you can check it out at any time. If you are curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Amazon will stream 20 games live in December, and if you’re a new customer, you can sign up for Amazon Prime Video and get a 30-day free trial. Amazon will stream all 10 festive matches this week, such as Manchester United vs. Manchester United. Aston Villa and Everton against Manchester City.
Will United be able to fight for the title? Receive our FREE Manchester United email newsletter