Saudi move a 'very concrete possibility' for Man Utd star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 1 Jan 2024 17:52 GMT
• 3 min read

Saudi chiefs are confident that Raphael Varane will become a Pro League player in 2024, according to a report.

The Manchester United defender is still facing an uncertain future. His fitness issues saw him lose his starting spot in Erik ten Hag's team for several weeks and it has been revealed that his deal expires this summer rather than in 2025, though the Red Devils have an option to trigger a one-year extension.

The latest reports on Varane's future have claimed that Man Utd are actually set to open talks with the Frenchman over a completely new contract but on a reduced salary. The World Cup winner's performances do not justify the sizeable wage he is currently on.

However, as United have not yet triggered his extension or agreed fresh terms, Varane is technically able to negotiate a summer move now with other clubs. While it appears unlikely - as things stand - that the veteran defender will make a decision in the coming days and weeks, there are some who believe that he will be on the move in 2024.

Saudis want Varane

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Saudi "dealmakers still think he's a very concrete possibility" despite the fact that "those close to Varane have downplayed a Saudi move in 2024." It is asserted that recruitment chiefs at Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are confident of landing the Frenchman this year.

Reigning champions Al-Ittihad, who are enduring a disappointing campaign riven by controversy surrounding coaches and star signing Karim Benzema, were already linked with a move for Varane last summer, but the Frenchman had no intention to head to the Middle East at this stage.

A January move is all but out of the question as most Saudi clubs filled their foreigner quotas and used up their budget allocation during the free-spending summer window that saw the likes of Neymar, N'Golo Kante, Sadio Mane and Fabinho head to the Pro League.