Manchester United to sign World Cup-winning defender Raphael Varane from Real Madrid

English Premier League side Manchester United announced on Tuesday that they have agreed on a deal with Real Madrid to sign defender Raphael Varane. The deal was confirmed after weeks of rumors about the Frenchman’s move to Old Trafford. 

Reports suggest that the Red Devils will pay a fee of around €41 million for Varane, who had a year remaining on his contract with Madrid. 

Manchester United confirmed the deal this week and stated that the move will happen following medical and paperwork. 

“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, Raphael Varane, subject to a medical and to player terms being finalized,” said the statement by Manchester United. 

Real Madrid released a statement following the announcement, thanking the Frenchman for the numerous trophies he helped the club win in his 10-year spell. 

“Our club thanks him for his professionalism and exemplary behavior during the ten seasons in which he has defended our jersey, with which he has won 18 titles: 4 Champions League, 4 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 3 Leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups. Real Madrid wants to show all its affection to Raphael Varane and his family and wishes him the best of luck in this new stage of his professional career,” said a Real Madrid statement. 

Varane will reportedly sign a four-year deal with Manchester United, with the club having the option of adding another year to the contract. The Frenchman is expected to go straight into the United starting lineup and play alongside captain Harry Maguire at the back. 

Varane won a whole host of trophies with Real Madrid, including multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. He was also a key player for the French national team which went on to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

The 28-year-old joined Madrid from the French side of Lens in 2011 and made over 350 appearances for the Spanish giants. Varane formed a strong partnership with Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos in central defense, who also left the club at the end of last season and is part of Paris Saint-Germain. 

Varane is reportedly a boyhood Manchester United and idolized former United defender Rio Ferdinand in his youth. The French defender is the second big-name signing that Manchester United has made this summer, with the other being long-time United target Jadon Sancho, who moved to the Premier League side from Borussia Dortmund. 

Manchester United’s 2021-22 Premier League campaign will begin at home on August 14 against arch-rivals Leeds United.