Manchester United sealed Raphael Varane’s transfer from Real Madrid on Tuesday, paying $60 million for the 28-year-old world-class defender.
The English club confirmed that Varane will sign a four-year contract at Old Trafford once he completes his medical. A club statement from United announced the successful finalization of the talks with Real Madrid.
“Manchester United is delighted to announce the club has reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of French international defender and World Cup winner, Raphaël Varane, subject to a medical and to player terms being finalized.”
Varane agreed to terms with United a few days ago.
At the end of last season, the Frenchman informed Real Madrid that he would be seeking a new challenge in his career after 10 years in the Spanish capital. Varane won 18 trophies as a Real Madrid player, including four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles. He joined in 2011 for $13 million from French club Lens, which had just been relegated to the second league.
United dreams big with the signings of Sancho and Varane
Raphael Varane is Real Madrid’s third acquisition this summer. Attacking dynamo Jadon Sancho joined for $100 million from Borussia Dortmund, while goalkeeper Tom Heaton signed on a free transfer from Aston Villa. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also extended his contract to 2024. Manchester United’s supporters now believe the team is strong enough to challenge for the Premier League title. United last won the league in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester’s archrivals, City, are the bookies’ favorite for a second consecutive triumph at -150. Liverpool and Chelsea are both at +400, with Manchester United fourth at +700. Tottenham are far away, standing at +3900, while Arsenal is even further away, at +4900, the same as Leicester.
Talking about City, Pep Guardiola’s men are still interested in signing England duo Harry Kane and Jack Grealish. The Sun reported that Kane would be allowed to leave by Tottenham boss Levy in exchange for $220 million, but the information hasn’t been confirmed so far.
What’s certain is that there are talks between the two clubs. The bookies have a Kane transfer to Man City at -275, with a continuation of life at Tottenham now at +175. Negotiations for Grealish are at a different level, with The Athletic describing them as being “at an advanced stage.” City is ready to pay $105 million for the 25-year-old Aston Villa captain.