Raphael Varane Potentially Agent Free At The End Of This Season

Raphael Varane will be released by Manchester United (Instagram/@raphaelvarane).

JAKARTA - Raphael Varane's contract at Manchester United will expire a year earlier than previously published. This condition makes the French defender likely without a club at the end of this season.

According to The Athletic report, Varane's contract terms were made in such a way that details ended at the end of this season or June 2024 plus additional one-year options.

Well, it looks like the one-year extension option will not be taken by Man United.

The reason is that the defender has not returned to his desired performance after struggling from injury. No wonder, there were considerations from Man United to accept Varane's transfer offer in the January 2024 stock exchange.

The club has also opened the door to discussions with Varane if there are offers from other clubs in January 2024. He will get permission to sign a precontract agreement to ensure a free transfer in the summer window.

In fact, when Varane joined Real Madrid in August 2021, Man United stated that he had signed documents to detain him at the club until June 2025.

However, the injuries that make performance not as expected make the club need to negotiate more quickly regarding Varane's future at Old Trafford.

According to regulations, players entering the last six months of their deal could talk to other clubs, even non-Englishers, and sign a pre-contract agreement.

Man United actually didn't lose too much to release Varane for free at the end of this season. They can save the player's 30-year salary for one year, which is equivalent to around 13 million pounds, equivalent to Rp255 billion.

Raphael Varane has indeed been marginalized by Manager Erik ten Hag. The coach chose Harry Maguire, who has recently improved his performance or shifted Luke Shaw to central defender.

This condition makes Varane actually uncomfortable and frustrated. Reportedly, he had a fight with Ten Hag because he had never been given more playing minutes or appeared as a starter.

The origin of Varane's frustration can be traced from the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United. Varane, who was injured, was unable to take part in the training session and finally canceled his appearance.

The first appearance as a starter of the season came when Man United fought Bayern Munich in the Champions United League crucial match. Even so, he was unable to stop the 0-1 defeat which left the Red Devils eliminated from Europe.

Raphael Varane's contract conditions are the same as Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, and Fred. The difference is, Man United extended Lingard and Pogba saw from the player's performance.

Now, for the last name, alias Fred, it is likely to be similar to Varane's fate. Fred was not extended and sold at the end of the season.

Raphael Varane joined United from Real two years ago in an initial deal worth 34 million pounds or around Rp667 billion.