Could Real Madrid be preparing to sell Varane at the end of the season?

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 17 May 2021 19:06 BST
• 2 min read

Real Madrid may be preparing to offload one of Zinedine Zidane’s most trusted players, central defender Raphael Varane, at the end of the season. 

According to a report in Spanish newspaper Marca, the Spanish giants are acutely aware of the defender’s contractual situation and may be forced to cut their losses in the summer. 

Varane currently has a contract with Madrid until 2022, which means the club will have to sell the player this summer if they can’t convince him to extend his current deal to a later date. 

But what are the chances of Zidane bidding farewell to one of his most trusted defenders at the end of the season? 

The main issue with Varane’s current situation at Madrid is whether or not the defender agrees to sign a new contract with the club. 

Marca believe the club have their suspicions that the French international would like a new challenge and may be tempted to move on either this summer or next. 

Should Madrid sell Varane? 

If the 27-year-old defender were to move on, Madrid would undoubtedly demand a handsome fee for his talents and that could certainly be put to good use in the club’s inevitable squad rebuild this summer. 

Not only could Varane’s transfer fee and freed up wages allow Madrid to tie Sergio Ramos down to a new contract, but it could also ensure David Alaba gets the deal he wants and signs for the La Liga side. 

Considering the abject performances of Eder Militao this season, the club could be tempted to cut their losses with yet another central defender and in his stead sign another addition to the back line. 

According to Marca, Madrid have their eye on Sevilla pair Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos or Pau Torres from Villarreal. 

Whether any of this happens remains to be seen, but it seems as though Varane’s departure would undoubtedly spark an entire rebuild in Madrid’s defence. And perhaps that’s exactly what Zidane’s side need.