Given his problems at Old Trafford, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is apparently being considered as Al-Nassr’s next high-profile signing.
Varane has been in and out of the United squad this season under manager Erik ten Hag, and he only started as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over West Ham United.
After surrendering three goals in a tumultuous match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek and two more away to League Two Newport County, Ten Hag restored Harry Maguire to the starting lineup in place of Varane at the weekend following his return from injury.
Despite six consecutive appearances since Boxing Day, Varane has unable to secure a permanent berth in the Red Devils’ defence after coming from Real Madrid in 2021.
Lisandro Martinez’s latest injury may force the 30-year-old back into the lineup, although Victor Lindelof’s return from injury casts doubt on that.
United also recently turned down the opportunity to exercise an optional 12-month extension on Varane’s contract, increasing the likelihood that he will move in the summer.
According to the Daily Star, Varane is now free to speak with other teams, with United eager to offload his £340,000-per-week salary.
According to the rumor, Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr is eager to nearly triple his earnings by offering the Frenchman a lucrative £50 million-a-year contract in order to add another world-famous name to the country’s roster of players.
Varane would partner up with former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who was the first big name to relocate to the Gulf state just over a year ago.
Ronaldo also departed Old Trafford under fire following a disagreement with Ten Hag, and Varane might follow suit in similar circumstances.
The Portuguese superstar had already left by the time Varane was involved in Manchester United’s EFL Cup victory last season, but the two won numerous awards together at the Santiago Bernabeu throughout the 2010s.
A deal for Varane would also be one of the league’s most high-profile transfers, following those of Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, and N’Golo Kante.
Al-Nassr has amassed a significant roster of high-profile players, including Aymeric Laporte, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, Anderson Talisca, and Otavio, who have joined Mane and Ronaldo in recent months.
Some have not adjusted to the lifestyle and football in Saudi Arabia, as Jordan Henderson left after only six months, and rumors say Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is also looking to return to European football.
