Transfer Centre

Real Madrid 'rule out deadline-day move for Raphael Varane'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 February 2024

Real Madrid will allegedly not make an attempt to re-sign Raphael Varane from Manchester United before the January transfer deadline.

Real Madrid will reportedly not make an attempt to re-sign Raphael Varane from Manchester United before the January transfer window closes for business.

Los Blancos are currently without the services of two important centre-backs in the shape of Eder Militao and David Alaba due to serious knee injuries.

Militao has been missing since August, while Alaba suffered his ACL injury in the latter stages of last year and will be absent for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.

Earlier this month, Real Madrid are believed to have considered moving a centre-back, and it has been claimed in recent days that the club were eyeing a potential late swoop for Varane.

However, according to Defensa Central, there will be no late move from the La Liga giants for Varane, with the club happy to continue with their current centre-back options, as Militao is closing in on a return.

Manchester United's Raphael Varane pictured in November 2023 © Reuters

The 30-year-old represented Los Blancos between 2011 and 2021, making 360 appearances in all competitions, winning three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Champions League trophies.

Varane has featured on 82 occasions for Man United since his arrival at Old Trafford, including 19 appearances in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.

The Frenchman spent a period out of the side earlier this season, though, and there is uncertainty surrounding his future, with his contract only running until the end of June.

Man United decided against activating an extension in his contract, but it has been claimed that the club are keen to speak with him over a new deal on a reduced salary.

Raphael Varane celebrates scoring for Manchester United on August 14, 2023 © Reuters

Varane is believed to have the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League, and he could have the chance to make a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer this summer.

Jonny Evans is another Man United centre-back who is out of contract at the end of June, while there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.

The Red Devils are expected to move for at least one central defender this summer, although it is likely that two will be required if both Varane and Evans move on.

Nacho and Antonio Rudiger are the first-team centre-backs currently available for Real Madrid, while central midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is the cover in that area of the field.