Transfer Centre

Real Madrid interested in Raphael Varane reunion amid injury crisis?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 December 2023

Real interested in Varane reunion amid injury crisis?

Real Madrid reportedly hold an interest in securing a reunion with Manchester United defender Raphael Varane amid their injury crisis at the back.

Real Madrid are reportedly giving consideration to trying to secure a reunion with Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.

Between 2011 and 2021, the France international enjoyed a legendary stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, making a total of 360 appearances during that period.

Three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns were won in that time, but the success led to Varane craving a new challenge at Man United.

Although the 2018 World Cup winner has managed to add an EFL Cup to his list of silverware, he has failed to live up to his reputation during his time at Old Trafford.

Under Erik ten Hag, Varane has spent time out of the first XI during 2023-24 before returning to start the recent fixtures against Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane on August 14, 2023 © Reuters

Having contributed to the clean sheet that was kept in a goalless draw against the latter, it is plausible that Varane may have regained his spot in the team in the long term.

Furthermore, the player himself is said to be keen to fight for his place at the Theatre of Dreams rather than entertain a transfer to another top European club or Saudi Arabia.

Nevertheless, according to BILD journalist Christian Falk, Real have identified their former defender as a potential January addition.

Los Blancos have been left in a state of disarray at the back after David Alaba joined Eder Militao in suffering a serious knee injury, one that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Real Madrid's David Alaba is helped off the field after sustaining an injury on December 17, 2023 © Reuters

Carlo Ancelotti currently only has Antonio Rudiger and Nacho as fit central defenders, already hinting that midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni would deputise in the middle of the backline when required.

Earlier this week, Ancelotti acknowledged that he and club officials were assessing their options, the possibility remaining that they would opt against reinforcements in January.

However, it is claimed that contact may be made with United in an effort to negotiate a deal for Varane, who has no more than 18 months remaining on his contract, perhaps less according to a recent report.

While it is unclear what kind of fee that United could demand, there is a need to reduce their wage bill and generate income if they want to make significant additions next month.