He was part of the big 2021 transfer offensive and also failed to meet expectations. Now Raphael Varane is leaving Manchester United on a free transfer – because his contract is already expiring
When Manchester United proudly announced the signing of world champion Raphael Varane in the summer of 2021, he was seen as one of the hopes for a golden future at the reigning runners-up. Three years later, it is clear that Varane has never fulfilled this role – and that the contract term published by the club at the time was not even precise.
The central defender had arrived from Real Madrid one year before his contract expired at the age of 28 for the considerable base fee of €40 million and was “tied to the club until June 2025”. However, it later transpired that the final year of his contract was merely an option – and Varane is now leaving Man United on a free transfer.
The English record champions made this official on Tuesday. Varane, a four-time Champions League winner and three-time champion with Real, will not necessarily go down in club history as a transfer flop, but as a transfer disappointment – financially alone, because there will now be no compensation for the transfer fee and the high salary
Varane was a top performer last season, when United finished second and won the League Cup in his first year under manager Erik ten Hag. However, the 2021 transfer offensive, which also included Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, did not turn into a successful era
Varane was repeatedly injured – and yet fell in love
This season, the Red Devils are facing the worst final position in their Premier League history and ten Hag is facing retirement in the summer. Varane, who has made a total of 93 competitive appearances (two goals) in three years, has been out injured since April and had also been plagued by physical setbacks before that. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to play again in the season finale, which includes the FA Cup final against Manchester United on May 25.
“I’ve fallen in love with the club and the fans,” said the now 31-year-old on his departure. “You have to play for Manchester United to understand what that means.” He is “positive about the future despite the difficult season. The new owners come with a clear plan and a great strategy.” It is not yet known where Varane will continue his career.
