Real Madrid Must Cough Up €12 million/Year to Retain Varane

Real Madrid must up their offer if they wish to retain Raphael Varane after his contract expires in 12 months. The prized defender is currently paid €7 million a year, but he’s demanding €12 million to renew the contract.

If Real Madrid accepts his offer, Varane’s salary will equal David Alaba and Sergio Ramos when they signed up. However, Madrid is unlikely to budge. Varane claims other centre-backs are paid far more than what he’s currently being offered, which is unfair considering his consistent performance in recent years.

If both parties fail to reach a consensus, Real will have to sell Varane before his contract expires to avoid losing him as a free agent. Manchester United recently expressed an interest in acquiring the French defender for €45 million, but Real Madrid believes Varane is worth at least €50 million.

However, the latest reports claim the Red Devils are close to finalizing the deal for the 28-year-old. And the club hopes to make a public announcement in the coming weeks. Varane isn’t keen on training with Real in the upcoming pre-season and is looking forward to his stint at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid Needs a Replacement

Assuming Varane leaves by the end of the season, Real Madrid needs to find a replacement centre-back. While David Alaba and Eder Militao can form a formidable pair in Varane’s absence, a lot depends on Alaba’s fitness and form. As Militao replaces Varane near the centre line, Jesus Vallejo and Nacho Fernandez need to raise their game.

However, considering Vallejo’s history with frequent injuries, Real must find a replacement centre-back soon. But it’s too early to predict the outcome as Varane’s transfer is still under works.

PSG Transfer Also on the Cards?

Manchester United must battle it out with Paris Saint-Germain for acquiring Raphael Varane as fresh reports suggest the French defender is in talks with the Spanish club. Mauricio Pochettino is eyeing the 28-year-old to partner with Marcos Aoás Corrêa near the centre line.

However, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is in no mood to surrender. United is looking to strengthen its squad and have several key signings on the radar. After agreeing to acquire Jadon Sancho for €85 million from Borussia Dortmund, they now have their eyes trained on Varane.