Defender Raphael Varane to leave Man Utd this summer on a free transfer.
Varane's contract with Man Utd expires in June 2024. Both parties have agreed not to extend, and the 31-year-old defender will join another club for free.
Varane joined Man Utd in July 2021 for a fee of $50 million from Real Madrid. Due to injuries, he has only played 93 games, scoring two goals, and won the 2023 League Cup with the Red Devils.
[caption id="attachment_5273" align="alignnone" width="600"] Varane (left) celebrates scoring in the opening match of the 2023-2024 Premier League season, as Man Utd beat Wolves 1-0 at Old Trafford on August 14, 2023. Photo: PA[/caption]
In a farewell video posted on social media on the afternoon of May 14, Varane recalled the excitement of his debut at Old Trafford three years ago. He affirmed that Man Utd will always hold a special place in his career and life.
"I love the club and the fans," Varane added. "You have to play for Man Utd to understand what it represents. For my children, this place is home."
Varane also admitted that the Red Devils are going through a difficult season but remains optimistic about the future. He stated that the new co-owner, billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, has a clear plan and a great strategy. On May 15, when Man Utd hosts Newcastle in the final home game of the 2023-2024 season, Varane will bid farewell to the fans in person.
Before coming to Old Trafford, Varane won the 2018 World Cup with the French national team, four Champions League titles, and three La Liga titles with Real Madrid. In 2018, he was named in the World Cup, FIFPro, UEFA, and IFFHS Best XI.
This season, Man Utd was eliminated from the Champions League group stage, the fourth round of the League Cup, and dropped to eighth in the Premier League. On May 25, Varane's team will face Man City for the second consecutive year in the FA Cup final. Last season, they lost to their city rivals 1-2.
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