- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is considering his future with clubs in Europe and in Saudi Arabia holding talks with his camp, HITC Football understands.
The 30-year-old has only just come in from the cold at Old Trafford for manager Erik ten Hag in December. But Varane is considering his long-term future at Manchester United as he will be out of contract in June. Although the club hold the option to extend his deal by one year.
Manchester United sources insist that Varane staying beyond the current term is one option the club are assessing. HITC Football also understands that the option of the 93-cap France enforcer agreeing to a new contract – but likely with lesser terms – is also a potential option.
Varane considers his Manchester United future as clubs eye a free transfer
Nonetheless, clubs in Europe and in Saudi Arabia are positioning themselves to target a free transfer if Varane leaves Manchester United as a free agent. HITC Football understands that the Saudi Pro League is also already holding talks with Varane’s camp over a potential move.
Sources believe that up to three of the four Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned clubs in Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are keen to sign the centre-back. Additionally, Pro League squads can increase their registered number of foreign players from eight to 10 next season.
The increase in foreign players allowed per squad has seen the Pro League target further big names signings, and Varane is in its sights. But HITC Football further understands that he is a target for European teams, especially if Varane leaves Manchester United in a free transfer.
Varane is of interest to teams in Saudi Arabia, Italy and France
A chance to sign Varane in a Bosman deal particularly appeals to clubs in Serie A, with Inter Milan among the teams to have already registered their interest. The four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid has started 11 of his 16 Premier League games this season.
But should Varane decide that he wants to move back to his native France, sources tell HITC Football that there is interest from the likes of AS Monaco, Marseille and his hometown club, LOSC Lille. But Varane would have to accept a substantial pay cut to join either Ligue 1 team.
Varane has not played in France since 2011 when he left academy squad RC Lens to join Real Madrid. Los Blancos would later sell Varane to Manchester United in 2021. But he fell out of Ten Hag’s plans early this season before then returning to their starting XI away to Liverpool.
His efforts at Anfield in December also impressed former Manchester United defender David May, who called Varane ‘absolutely outstanding’. Ten Hag has since kept the Frenchman in a prominent place. But Varane is considering his future amid transfer approaches to his camp.
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