When will Varane to Man Utd be completed?

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 26 Jul 2021 19:35 BST
• 3 min read

Raphael Varane will become Manchester United’s second big signing of the summer when he arrives at the club from Real Madrid.

The Old Trafford side have already reinforced thanks to the €85 million (£73m) arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund after a chase that stretched well over a year.

Capturing a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of their defence has long been another priority for the Red Devils, with Varane the man set to step up.

Personal terms between the player and the club have been agreed, while Le Parisien has stated that an agreement of €50m (£42.7m) has been reached between Man Utd and Real Madrid.

Negotiations have not been easy, though. At one point the clubs were said to be over €20m apart.

With Varane out of contract in 2022, giving him the possibility of leaving on a free transfer in a year’s time, it is a deal that is likely to suit every party.

Deal could set to be quickly concluded

According to Sky Sports, Varane is due in Manchester for his medical check on Wednesday. A deal could be completed any time after that point – even on the same day.

However, The Athletic are less optimistic. It is suggested that quarantine regulations could hold matters up and make things less certain.

Everything is in order between the clubs and also between Varane and the Red Devils, so it is only the formalities that are left to complete.

The Varane to Man Utd saga is, therefore, one that could very quickly come to a conclusion.

Man Utd XI with Sancho and Varane

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need to decide between David de Gea and Dean Henderson as to who his number one goalkeeper next season. For now, De Gea might get the nod.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw will start in the full-back spots, with captain Maguire being partnered by Varane.

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are the other options at centre-back.

Paul Pogba was used in a variety of positions last season including left and right wing, but with the acquisition of Sancho he will likely need to be moved back into the midfield two, potentially alongside Scott McTominay.

Marcus Rashford will start on the left with Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 role and Sancho on the right.

Edinson Cavani will remain at Old Trafford for at least another year so he will likely be first choice, though Solskjaer also has Anthony Martial, Daniel James and Mason Greenwood available for the attacking spots.