Raphaël Varane Set To Leave Manchester United

Manchester United has confirmed that Raphaël Varane will be departing Old Trafford at the end of this season, after spending three years with the club.

Varane joined Manchester United in 2021 in a transfer worth £40 million ($50.2m) from Real Madrid. During his time at the club, he featured in 93 matches and played a crucial role in Erik ten Hag’s squad last season, contributing to United’s third-place finish in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup last season.

But he has struggled with injury this season and hasn’t featured since the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on April 4.

Ten Hag has consistently stated that there is a possibility for Varane to be involved in the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on May 25.

United has decided not to activate a one-year extension in his contract that would have kept him in the club until 2025. The 31-year-old, who secured the Champions League title four times over his decade at Real Madrid, is now being associated with a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia or a comeback to his previous team, Lens.

Manchester United is in search of a new center-back for the upcoming summer transfer window. They have shown interest in Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be available on a free transfer, but Newcastle United currently appears to be leading the race to secure his signature.

“To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years playing for this special club and wearing that shirt,” Varane said in a post on social media. “The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club and the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.”

He continued, “Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners are coming up with a clear plan and a great strategy. I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last home game of the season. It’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.”