What future for Raphaël Varane?

In recent days, several 2018 world champions have said goodbye to their respective clubs. On the side of Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappé (25 years old) published a video on Friday to say goodbye to the capital club. On the other hand, he has not communicated on his next destination, which will obviously be Madrid. On Monday, Olivier Giroud (37 years old) also took part in this exercise at AC Milan. The striker will continue his career in Major League Soccer at Los Angeles FC. Tuesday, it was the turn of Raphaël Varane (31) to say goodbye to Manchester United.

Arriving in 2021 from Real Madrid, where he won everything in ten years, the Frenchman had more complicated times with the Mancuniens. A strong starter at the start, he was sometimes downgraded, he who was also not spared from physical problems. The arrival of the new shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has made his case a little more complicated since the British businessman wants to part with big salaries and focus on young talents. Pushed towards the exit, the French defender (30 appearances this season, 1 goal) remained involved. Yesterday, however, he formalized his departure after three years in the north of England.

An expected departure from MU

“To you, Manchester United fans. I had some incredible years playing for this special club and wearing this jersey. The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Manchester United player it was crazy. The atmosphere was incredible. I fell in love with the club and the fans. You have to play for MU to understand all this. For my children and me, this place will remain special. Despite the fact that we have had a difficult season, I am positive for the future of the club. The new owners arrive with a clear plan and a great strategy. I will see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye in the last home game of the season. It will surely be a very emotional day for me.”

Then, it will be time for the former French international to enjoy his vacation and prepare for the future. Free and on the market, the former RC Lens player has solid experience and qualities that can be of service to many clubs. Especially since he is only 31 years old. He therefore still has a few years ahead of him, although obviously he is spared from physical problems. But where can he bounce back? In recent months, his name has been mentioned by Saudi Arabia. To be more precise, it was mainly MU who tried to place him there.

Avenues for its future

Despite everything, the interest in him is very real since Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad are cited among his courtiers. The only problem is that the Frenchman is not particularly interested in the Saudi Pro League. He is visibly less closed to the idea of ​​playing in Major League Soccer, where a few clubs have an eye on him according to the English press. Reuniting with one of your former clubs is also a possibility. Asked about his future during an interview at GQ last year, the native of Lille, who is not yet considering hanging up his crampons, was quite clear.

“I will finish my career either in Madrid, Manchester, or Lens. It’s certain that I won’t join another club. But Madrid seems complicated to me, we don’t usually come back there. The most likely today is that I finish Manchester or Lens. The Northerners therefore have their chances, even if several points must be taken into account (desire for Lens, salary, etc.). While waiting to find the right match for him, Varane could find the French team, since he is listed among the players aged over 23 who could participate in the Olympics. The defender, who launched into entrepreneurship alongside his career, is preparing for a hectic summer.