Real Madrid centre-back and World Cup winner Raphael Varane looks set to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season. Varane’s current contract expires in 2022, and reports are suggesting that he could be ready for a change in scenery. The Raphael Varane Real Madrid career is looking increasingly likely to end.
Varane has become a stalwart in a lengthy stay at Real Madrid. He joined as an 18-year-old in 2011, and has since made a name for himself as one of the best centre-backs in world football. With David Alaba reportedly on the way in, and reluctant to see him leave for free in a years time, Madrid may well be looking to cash-in on Varane this summer.
Raphael Varane Set to Leave Real Madrid This Summer
The Interested Sides
Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Chelsea are leading the way to secure Varane’s signature. Chelsea currently have the most clean sheets across Europe this season with 29. Thomas Tuchel clearly values the importance of having a strong defence, favouring a back three since joining the Blues, and signing Varane would certainly signify his desire to minimise their goals against stat.
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea will likely face stiff competition in their pursuit of Varane. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly looking to bolster their defences with the French international. Real Madrid have reportedly set a £61 million asking price for Varane. Considering he has a wealth of experience to his name, plus potentially several years still ahead of him, £61 million should be considered fairly reasonable.
Style of Play of Raphael Varane at Real Madrid
One of Varane’s biggest strengths is his pace. Attackers struggle to play against him simply because they cannot run past him. He also possesses great upper body strength, effectively using this to get between his opponents and the ball. This makes Varane particularly useful when attempting to regain possession for his team.
In today’s game, defenders are constantly encouraged to play out from the back, thus requiring excellent passing skills. He plays in a Real Madrid side that enjoy keeping possession and controlling the game. Varane is more than comfortable when it comes to having the ball at his feet, laying it off to midfielders, and even playing long balls to start attacks.
Varane’s Career So Far
Raphael Varane burst onto the scene with Lens in 2010, becoming a regular starter at just 17. It didn’t take long to attract interest from Europe’s major sides, as Real Madrid signed him the following summer for just €10 million.
Varane has been a major part of Real Madrid’s success story over the last decade. He has made over 350 appearances for Los Blancos, forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos along the way. As well as the four Champions League titles, Varane also played every minute of France’s World Cup win in 2018.
Varane will need to showcase his best form if he wants to add more trophies in his supposed final season. Real are currently in a three-way battle for the La Liga title. Varane will also line-up against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, a good opportunity for the club to get an even closer look at him.
main photo
Embed from Getty Images
