De Gea all over again? Man Utd want star to take pay cut - Romano

Tom Weber

• Updated: 1 Jan 2024 13:12 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United could hand Raphael Varane a new contract, but only if he is willing to accept a reduced salary, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils defender is in the midst of a strange season. Having had to deal with persistent fitness issues, the Frenchman was, for a time, supplanted in Erik ten Hag's side by Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and even Jonny Evans.

This gave rise to speculation about his future, which was only further fuelled by the revelation that his guaranteed contract expires this summer rather than in 2025. Man Utd hold an option to extend the deal until next year, but Varane is currently free to negotiate with interested clubs for a summer move.

Victor Lindelof was in a similar situation but the Red Devils have informed the Swede that they have taken up his option. The same can't be said for Varane, however, so what does the future hold for the World Cup winner, who is reportedly being eyed by Bayern Munich?

New deal on reduced salary

According to Fabrizio Romano, Varane could sign a completely new contract at Man Utd but on a reduced salary as the former Real Madrid man is now deemed to be too expensive. "Some Manchester United fans have been asking me about reports yesterday that suggested the club were keen to discuss a new contract with lower wages for Raphael Varane," he told CaughtOffside.

"I can confirm that, as far as I understand, I expect Man United to have these discussions with Varane soon as his current deal is expensive in terms of wages. Varane is due to be out of contract in summer 2024, and United now seem to have decided not to trigger the option to extend his current deal by one more year."

"So now talks could take place, but it has to be a new deal on different conditions, or he will leave the club in June. Of course, there is also the option for Varane to hold talks with foreign clubs for a move as a free agent in the summer, but for now, I’m not aware of that happening, despite rumours about Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.”

United, of course, attempted to do something similar with David de Gea last year and it ended up backfiring, with the modern-day club legend departing for nothing in the summer. The Spaniard is still a free agent.