Manchester United’s Raphael Varane attracts interest from Saudi club

Raphael Varane’s contract with Manchester United will expire next summer. The French defender has not yet announced anything about his plans in the future. However, the latest reports suggest that the former Real Madrid player is being monitored by Saudi club Al-Ittihad.

Man United signed Varane for €40 million in 2021 from Real Madrid. During his time for the Red Devils so far, he has scored two goals in 91 matches. He also was part of the United team that won the League Cup trophy last year. 

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Manchester United are buying time with Raphael Varane situation

With 15 months left, United have not bid any contract extension for Varane to stay longer at the club. Despite having tough initial times at Old Trafford due to injury, Varane has now successfully earned the manager’s trust. He has played 19 league games this season, scoring once against Wolverhampton in the opening game of this campaign. 

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, on the other hand, criticised Varane’s injury habit back in January. He suggested to his former employer not to extend the French contract in the future on his X account.

 “If United are looking to renew Lindelof and Varane (on reduced terms) I’m worried,” he wrote on X. “We have to start afresh as much as possible. Whilst these two aren’t bad players by any stretch, a message must be sent to everyone inside and outside of the club that it’s not going to tolerate the levels over the last few years.”

Louis Saha has a suggestion for Raphael Varane’s replacement

Amid the mystery of where Varane would be next season, fellow Frenchmen and former Man United player Louis Saha came upwith a suggestion. The two-time Premier League winner recommended another French talent Leny Yoro as an ideal replacement for Varane if the latter leaves the club. 

“I think he could have an immediate impact if he moved to the Premier League because he’s a big boy, very confident, technically and quick,” Saha said. “He has all the ingredients that a modern day centre-back possesses. It’s incredible how trusted he is at his age and I’m sure he could adapt very quickly to the Premier League.” 

Saha then compared Yoro with a young Varane when he joined Madrid at a very young age. The former United man believes that Yoro has everything United need to replace Varane who would be 31 this April.

“Raphaël Varane moved to Real Madrid when he was 18 and Yoro is a similar type of defender that brings calmness to a defence. With the right manager and the right teammates, he can have an amazing career. Yoro’s a really exciting player and I’m sure that Manchester United won’t be the only club looking to sign him.”