Fee for France international “Raphael Varane” believed to be £41m including add-ons; Deal will go through when medical is complete; Jadon Sancho has already joined Manchester United for £73m; Midfielder Paul Pogba unlikely to sign new deal
Manchester United have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign defender Raphael Varane.
The price for the France international is believed to be £41m including add-ons.
A club statement said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the club has reached 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 finalised.”
Having already signed England international Jadon Sancho for £73m from Borussia Dortmund, the acquisition of Varane represents a further statement of intent from United.
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗿, 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 👋
We have agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of @RaphaelVarane to United! 🔴⚪️⚫️#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2021
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team were second in the Premier League last season but finished 12 points behind Manchester City.
Varane is well established as one of the world’s top defenders, having joined Real from French side Lens in the summer of 2011.
He has gone on to make over 350 appearances for the club, and be capped 79 times by France, helping them to World Cup glory in 2018.
He started all four of France’s matches at Euro 2020 before they were knocked out on penalties by Switzerland.
If the deal goes through as expected, Varane’s first competitive action for United could come when they start their Premier League campaign on August 14 against Leeds United at Old Trafford.
“If Man Utd do get Varane across the line, they are buying one of the best central defenders in Europe. He has been fantastic at Real since day one, he has all the attributes you need and he has been slightly overlooked because of Sergio Ramos.
“But in terms of quality, I do not think there are many better than Varane.”