Manchester United have confirmed that they have reached a “deal in principle” for the transfer of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. The deal will be worth around £40 million, per a report from Marcus Christenson and Fabrizio Romano, and the Frenchman has signed a deal until 2026.
Manchester United Sign Raphael Varane
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗿, 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 👋
We have agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of @RaphaelVarane to United! 🔴⚪️⚫️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2021
Another Statement Signing
After the long-awaited addition of Jadon Sancho last week, the arrival of Varane is another significant boost for Manchester United. The Frenchman, despite an arguable dip in form over the last couple of years, is still one of the best defenders around and will no doubt bring star quality to United’s line-up.
It’s probable that he will be a starter alongside England defender Harry Maguire, which would leave able back-up in Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones. His arrival, though, could see Axel Tuanzebe pushed out of the door, with Newcastle United said to be interested in taking him on loan.
Varane’s arrival is another excellent piece of business for United, who have signed him and Sancho for around the same amount United were quoted for just Sancho last summer when their pursuit began.
The current transfer market, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, has seen players going for lesser fees than they perhaps normally would as clubs are not prepared to splash the cash as much.
Varane’s Career
Varane started out at French side Lens, spending one season in the first team where he scored twice in 23 appearances.
He was quickly snapped up by Real Madrid in 2011 after impressing in Ligue 1 and he has not looked back since, becoming one of the best defenders in the world during his time at the Bernabeu.
As well as starring for Real, Varane has been a key part of France’s international squad since his debut against Georgia in 2013.
He was selected in the 2014 World Cup squad, where he was named on the three-man shortlist for the tournament’s Best Young Player. He also became the youngest player to captain France when he took over the armband from Blaise Matuidi in a win over Armenia.
Varane missed Euro 2016 through injury but was back for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, starting all 11 games and scoring in the quarter-final win over Uruguay and Les Bleus secured their second World Cup title.
The 28-year-old was also selected in France’s squad for Euro 2020, where he featured in all four of France’s games.
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