Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is not looking for a move to Saudi Arabia amid his limited playing time this season, according to L’Equipe (today’s edition).
The World Cup winner has been a regular on the bench this campaign. He was initially in the starting line-up but lost his place to Harry Maguire following an injury.
He was reinstated into the starting XI recently, but was absent against West Ham United at the weekend. Erik ten Hag mentioned that he was unwell for the game.
L’Equipe now reveal that the Frenchman’s entourage have dismissed the prospect of him pursuing a big-money move to Saudi Arabia in the near future.
The £42 million signing has had a tough campaign with fitness issues, but he is said to be involved on a daily basis and has been advising his young teammates.
Varane’s future could be decided next summer
Ten Hag made a surprise decision to drop Varane in favour of Harry Maguire earlier this season.
The Dutchman hinted that the former Real Madrid man was not good enough from the left centre-back role and chose to pick the likes of Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw.
Varane proved the manager wrong with a man of the match performance in the same position against Liverpool this month, but he was back on the sidelines for the West Ham trip.
The defender’s current deal expires at the end of the campaign, but United have the option to extend for another year. The club are most likely to activate the clause in the coming days.
His future will most likely be decided during the summer. If he impresses and stays unscathed for the back end of the campaign, the club could open talks over a renewal. Otherwise, he could be sold.
