'From my understanding'... Fabrizio Romano says £34m Manchester United man expected to leave on free transfer

Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has been one of the team’s best players in 2024.

There were a shaky couple of months in October and November where even when he was fully fit, Raphael Varane could not get a kick for Manchester United.

The Frenchman had fallen out of favour, before being recalled in December and delivering a particularly impressive performance at Anfield in a 0-0 draw.

The2018 World Cup winner has not looked back. He has re-established himself as a regular, now up to 28 appearances in all competitions, 22 of which have been starts.

Raphael Varane future uncertain

Manchester United made the decision in December not to activate the automatic extension to Raphael Varane’s contract, which would have seen the club tied into paying his £340,000 per week wages for another season.

ESPN reported that United would be open to agreeing an extension with Varane on lower terms.

There is no agreement so far, with Fabrizio Romano this week underlining that the Frenchman is currently on course to leave on a free transfer in the summer.

A report from Todofichajes has claimed Varane is still willing to negotiate with Manchester United.

Speaking to the Here We Go podcast, Romano explained the current situation with Varane as he understands it.

He said: “In the last 24 hours, we had some papers about a proposal coming from United maybe with the new structure of a new deal based on appearances, based on titles to win, and these kind of things. What I’m told, is quite clear at the moment.

“From my understanding, Man United have not presented an official proposal to extend the contract of Varane.

“So at the moment there a is really concrete possibility for Varane to leave as free agent at the end of the season, or at the moment, nothing is being negotiated.

“Let’s see what Man United will decide to do. It is close to the end of the season, but as of now, no concrete negotiation and so concrete chance for Varane to leave on a free.”

Moving parts at centre-back for Manchester United

When everybody is fit, Manchester United have some decent options at centre-back. But the the position is lacking in youth.

Jonny Evans is 36, it’s unclear whether he will be around next season. Victor Lindelof turns 30 in July, and has one year left on his deal.

Harry Maguire is 31, with Lisandro Martinez younger at 26, yet he has missed most of the season through injury. Varane himself is 30.

Willy Kambwala is a young hope for the future, while United are expected to sign at least one centre-back this summer.

As talented as Varane is, and he’s a total class act, there could be a logic to letting him walk away on a free, keeping him around another season would only be a temporary fix.

He has been linked separatelywith a move to the Saudi Pro League, but it is unclear if this would appeal to the Frenchman.

Raphael Varane: Factfile