Manchester United’s Raphael Varane Attracts Interest from ComoManchester United’s Raphael Varane Attracts Interest from Como Despite Manchester United’s decision to release Raphael Varane, interest in the departing defender remains high. The latest club to express interest is Como, a newly promoted Serie A club whose assistant manager is Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas. Varane’s Impressive Credentials Prior to joining Manchester United in 2021, Varane was considered one of the world’s elite center-backs during his time at Real Madrid. Injuries, however, have hindered his impact in England. United’s Contract Decision Varane’s contract expiring on June 30th presented United with a decision. They had the option to extend his stay by 12 months but opted against it due to his high weekly wage of £340,000 and the club’s desire to reduce its wage bill and pursue younger players. Interest from Various Clubs Despite United’s decision to let Varane go, numerous clubs have expressed interest in signing him. MLS outfit Inter Miami, where several renowned players compete, have also explored the possibility. Varane has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and his former club Lens. Como’s ‘Dream Target’ Como have identified Varane as their ‘dream target’ for the center-back position as they prepare for their first Serie A season in over two decades. The club’s ambition has already been evident with the acquisition of Italian international Andrea Belotti. Challenges Facing Como However, signing Varane will not be easy for Como given the high level of interest he commands from clubs across Europe. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Varane will make his decision soon. United’s Dilemma Manchester United’s decision to let Varane leave could be questioned given his impressive performance alongside Lisandro Martinez in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. However, the club’s financial concerns and Varane’s injury history are mitigating factors.
Interest in signing departing Manchester United star Raphael Varane is widespread and the latest club to show their hand is doing so on behalf of Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.
Varane connected Man Utd from Real Madrid in a deal worth £42 million in 2021. Varane was one of the most dominant centre-backs in world football in Spain, although injuries limited his impact in England.
Varane’s future at Old Trafford was always going to come to a head this summer. The experienced Frenchman’s contract expires on June 30 and United had an option to extend his stay by 12 months.
Had he done so, however, Varane could have kept his whopping £340,000 weekly wage.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe overseeing a youthful recruitment drive and with the aim of fragmenting the wage bill, the decision was made to let Varane walk.
Man Utd are currently looking for one and probably two new centre-backs. A replacement for Varane is needed, although the huge interest in snapping him up is starting to suggest that letting him go may be a mistake.
MLS outfit Inter Miami – where Alba, Busquets, Suarez and Messi play, among others – have investigated Varane’s signing. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is the driving force behind the move and is rumored to be making an offer soon.
Varane, 31, has also shown interest from Saudi Arabia and boyhood club Lens.
But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Varane’s next step could take him to Serie A.
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Fabregas wants Varane to Como
Newly promoted Como – whose assistant manager is Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas – have made Varane their ‘dream target’.
Como will compete in Serie A for the first time in more than two decades next season and the ambitious club have already made headlines with the acquisition of 44-player Italian international Andrea Belotti.
Romano went to X and revealed that Como hoped to follow up that coup with the signing of Varane. However, a step is far from easy, given the massive interest that Varane enjoys.
Romano wrote: “Como’s dream target for the center back position is Raphael Varane as a free agent.
“Cesc Fabregas wants Varane and they will try to make it happen, but there are several clubs interested in Europe and beyond – not easy.
“Varane will decide his future soon.”
Did Man Utd make a mistake by letting Varane go?
Varane proved he still has a lot to offer as he starred alongside Lisandro Martinez in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Nevertheless, Man Utd’s decision to let Varane leave is understandable for two obvious reasons.
Firstly, his injury record is poor and is unlikely to improve as he gets deeper into his 30s.
Secondly, his sky-high wages put him in the top three of Man Utd’s highest-earning players – all of whom are leaving the club this summer or are up for sale.
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