Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Raphael Varane has rejected an offer from Al Ittihad
According to Sports Zone via Twitter (h/t The Express), Manchester United superstar Raphael Varane has rejected an approach from Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad as the 2023 summer transfer window draws to a close.
The Middle East side have been among the top teams from the Saudi Pro League to raid European clubs for elite talents. Several top players have made the switch for big bucks, such as Varane’s former France and Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, but the centre-back is still holding out for European football.
The Frenchman is one of the finest defenders of his generation and is an automatic starter for Man United when fit. Losing him would have been a major blow for Erik ten Hag and Co, heading into the new season.
The 30-year-old is still in his prime and has formed an outstanding partnership with Lisandro Martinez in the Red Devils’ backline.Varane is confident that he still has much to offer and is keen to continue playing in Europe for at least one more season.
The Red Devils ace lifted his first trophy in the club’s colours last season when Ten Hag’s wards won the Carabao Cup. Hopefully, we can add to that this season and convince the Frenchman that he still has a few years to go before considering an Old Trafford exit.
Varane’s current deal at the Theatre of Dreams runs until the summer of 2026 and is worth around £340,000-a-week in wages. He is one of the club’s top earners and has made a telling difference since arriving from Real Madrid in 2021.
Manchester United conceded some cheap goals last season and will need to be more secure at the back to challenge for major honours this time around. Varane is our most experienced defender on the current roster and is thus an invaluable piece of the club’s plans moving forward. Having him commit to staying put is nothing but good news.
More Manchester United News
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- Inter Milan make bid for Manchester United target Benjamin Pavard
While Varane has now taken himself off the market, another Manchester United star, Harry Maguire is very much available. Personally, we hope that the Saudi clubs make a punt for our former skipper this summer. Both sides are in need of a new challenge and a parting of the ways could prove mutually beneficial.
