According to reports from Le Parisien in France, Raphael Varane is very close to finally making the move from Real Madrid to Manchester United. The player has been in contact with the Premier League club for the last few weeks, and can be expected to make the switch very soon.
‘Varane felt it was time to take his career in a new direction and explore another environment. The choice of Manchester thus responds to a life project and above all to a sporting challenge commensurate with this competitor,’ Le Parisien said.
The same report also goes on to state that the fee agreed between the two clubs for the transfer is €45 million. United and Madrid were €10 million apart in their valuation of the centre-back, but have now reached an agreement midway. Madrid were originally asking for an unrealistic sum around €80 million, but toned their demands down due to the pandemic.
Personal terms between United and Varane have never been an issue. The player has been offered a contract until 2026, and will be paid a salary worth £200,000 per week. The news of the breakthrough means that a medical can be expected in the upcoming days, followed by the official confirmation of the transfer.
Varane’s departure means that Madrid will be without their two first choice central defenders from the previous seasons, a partnership that has won them numerous titles. On the other hand, the acquisition of Varane will make Manchester United strong contenders to win the Premier League title this season, having already added Jadon Sancho to their ranks.