Promoted Italian Serie A side Como 1907 and head coach Cesc Fabregas continue to make headlines. Raphael Varane, a world-class central defender, is moving to Lake Como
World champion, four-time Champions League winner, three-time Spanish champion and many more titles: Raphael Varane’s career has long been characterized by great successes. It is unlikely that this will continue at his new station, but the project on Lake Como has nevertheless convinced the 31-year-old.
“At first I was curious about what it was all about – and shortly afterwards I realized how special and different this project was from all the others I had been offered, so I wanted to know more about it. The more I immersed myself in the project, the more interesting it became, and that gave me a different perspective on what I wanted to do,” explains Varane, who is signing a two-year contract with an option in Italy. “I’m really very happy. There’s a lot to do and it’s very exciting. I have a lot of experience at the highest level – and to now be able to pass on that knowledge to help a club work its way to the top is something wonderful.
Varane, whose contract at Manchester United was not renewed in the summer, has been linked with a move to the northern Italian city for some time. In particular, head coach Cesc Fabregas, who like his new defensive boss also has a World Cup title to his name as an active player, is said to have made intensive efforts to attract the 2018 French title winner.
“I will meet Cesc again, but not as an opponent this time. I really like his playing philosophy and his passion for soccer,” said Varane about his coach, who “can’t wait” to “work with him”.
Hartono brothers make big-name transfers possible
The French central defender and long-time Real Madrid teammate of Sergio Ramos is by no means the only big-name summer signing in Como. In addition to ex-Bayern and Villarreal keeper Pepe Reina and left-back Alberto Moreno, striker Andrea Belotti, who made 44 appearances for the Italian national team, will also lace up his boots for the newly promoted side.
These transfers are no coincidence, as the club has been owned by Budi and Bambang Hartono and their company “Sent Entertainment” since 2019. The two brothers belong to the wealthiest family in Indonesia and therefore have the necessary financial means to not only help a club that was still playing in Serie D in 2019 to promotion to Serie A within five years, but also to make transfers such as Varane’s.
