Manchester United face a serious predicament with Raphael Varane, as a contract confusion might lead to the French defender leaving a year earlier than anticipated, possibly on a free transfer next summer.
Varane’s arrival at Old Trafford in a £34 million deal in 2021 was initially perceived as a four-year contract, supposedly securing his stay until the summer of 2025, with an earning of £340,000 per week. However, new details revealed by The Athletic suggest a different scenario: his agreement might conclude by the end of the 2023/24 season, with a potential extension clause, although specifics about this extension remain unclear. There’s speculation that his contract might extend based on his game-time percentage.
The 30-year-old defender has recently faced a decrease in playtime under Erik Ten Hag, fueling concerns that Manchester United could lose him on a free transfer, especially since he could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs in the January window.
Despite Varane’s recent lack of game-time, clubs like Bayern Munich and Juventus have been linked with potential moves for him, although the defender’s salary demands could pose an obstacle. The potential free departure of Varane could impact United financially, potentially negating any opportunity to recoup their initial £34 million investment in the player.
Although Ten Hag did field Varane in the recent Champions League match against Bayern Munich, United’s lackluster performance led to their elimination from European competition. Additionally, internal discussions suggest that the club’s new investor, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed concerns about high expenditures on experienced players like Varane and Casemiro.
With doubts lingering over Varane’s future at United, the team aims to rebound from their Champions League disappointment in a crucial match against Premier League leaders Liverpool.