United, Madrid Agree £41m Varane Move To Old Trafford
- Undergoes medicals Wednesday
Premier League side, Manchester United have agreed to sign French centre-back, Raphaël Xavier Varane from Real Madrid in a deal worth about £41 million.
The France international and World Cup winner is now Old Trafford-bound after the two clubs agreed a fee for the 28-year-old on Monday.
It is understood that both clubs have reached an agreement that stays around €50m (about £43m) deal, plus £7m ($9m) in add-ons, with personal terms already settled for the defender who is expected to complete his transfer after a medical.
The deal will also see Real Madrid making a solidarity payment of £1 million to the defender’s former club in French Ligue, Lens.
Varane becomes United’s second major signing of the summer following the arrival of Jadon Sancho, who United reached an agreement to sign earlier in the month for £73m ($101m).
The Frenchman has been the Red Devils’ main transfer target since they ended their long-running pursuit of Jadon Sancho. He is leaving Madrid after 10 years at the club and will be partnering Harry Maguire in the middle of United’s fearsome-looking backline.
Reports from Manchester said Varane will be arriving in England for a medical taking place over the next 48 hours before the official announcement is made.
Why does Solskjaer want Varane?
United Manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been targeting a right-sided centre-back to strengthen his backline. He admitted after the pre-season friendly defeat to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) at the weekend that the team needs to improve defensively for the new season.
Harry Maguire has been a rock at the back since arriving and it is likely Varane will partner the England international at the heart of United’s defence.
Varane has only one year left on his deal at Madrid and made it clear he was not interested in signing a new one as he was keen for a new challenge in Manchester. With that in mind, the Liga side decided to cash in rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.
What Next For United?
For now, Solskjaer is keen on signing a right-back and discussions have already taken place with Kieran Trippier, while a central midfielder is also on the shopping list.
However, there is an acceptance that while there are funds, they are not unlimited – and it may not be possible to land all potential targets in the current window. – With Goal.com reports
