Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on keeping former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane at the club.
According to a report by Football Insider, Erik ten Hag wants to keep hold of Raphael Varane amidst interest in his services from the Saudi Pro League. The Manchester United centre-back has been linked with a move away from the club but his manager still feels he is a very important part of their first team.
Varane came through the ranks at Lens and made quite a name for himself. His impressive rise resulted in a move to Real Madrid quite early in his career. After 10 successful years with Los Blancos, with whome he won four Champions League titles, he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £41 million, penning a £340,000-a-week deal.
But, things have not gone according to plan for the 30-year-old since making the move to Old Trafford. He has spent quite a lot of time on the sidelines because of various injuries. He has even missed a few games in the ongoing season because of injury.
But, even when he has been available, he has been subject to the bench of late. As a result, there has been a lot of talk about his future. Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League is interested in the 30-year-old’s services. They have signed a lot of superstars from Europe and are looking to add more in the near future.
They could arrive with an offer for the Manchester United defender in the winter transfer window. Given his injury concerns and recent form, the Red Devils could consider parting ways with one of their highest-paid player, who earns a reported wage of £340,000-a-week.
His departure could raise significant funds to bolster their squad. But, ten Hag is not keen on parting ways with Varane. The 30-year-old is still the first-choice centre-back for the Dutch manager.
While Varane might not be regularly starting games of late, he is expected to soon return to the usual role. With Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw out injured, Varane is integral to ten Hag’s plans going ahead.
