Man Utd set for huge boost as Varane makes shock move

Robin Bairner

• 16 May 2024 01:27 CDT
• 4 min read

Raphael Varane’s next steps in professional football will come away from Manchester United, but while the former France international defender has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, other options are opening up for him - and one in particular could benefit the Old Trafford side.

The ex-Real Madrid defender has been linked with a move to one of his former clubs, with Ligue 1 outfit Lens working out a way they can bring him back.

FootMercato reports the club from Northern France is seeking to conduct a deal with the centre-back, who has already dropped a hint as to where his future lies.

READ MORE: Man Utd join race to sign Premier League’s most wanted free agent – Fabrizio Romano

Current ETV

Raphaël Varane

D (C)

Man Utd

Raphaël Varane

D (C)

Man Utd

€17.1M

ETV Range

€12.8M - €21.3M

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“I will finish my career either in Madrid, Manchester or Lens,” he told GQ magazine last year.

“It's certain that I won't join another club. But Madrid seems complicated to me, you don't usually go back there. The most likely thing today is that I end up in Manchester or Lens.”

Man Utd have already confirmed Varane will leave the club at the end of his contract in the summer, leaving, by process of elimination, Lens as the player’s only genuine option if the player truly has no desire to join the Saudi Pro League.

READ MORE: Ollie Watkins’ three reasons for accepting ‘audacious’ Man Utd transfer offer

FootMercato states that Lens’ are “studying the feasibility of a huge operation that would not necessarily depend on the future of Kevin Danso”.

Austria international defender Danso is expected to be sold in the summer, with the likes of Man Utd, PSG and Bayern Munich previously linked with him. The Red Devils could potentially revisit a deal for the centre-back this summer but would be expected to face significant competition for the 25-year-old.

Although this claim suggests that both Danso and Varane could play with Les Sang et Or next season, the probability is that he moves on, with Old Trafford a potential destination.

Current ETV

Kevin Danso

D (C)

Lens

Kevin Danso

D (C)

Lens

€27.9M

ETV Range

€20.9M - €34.9M

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Lens open to Varane deal

Head coach Franck Haise previously spoke about bringing Varane back to the club last November.

“If Raphael wants to come back he is welcomed with open arms every time,” he said.

“With his contract, it's something else. I read that it was complicated for Bayern Munich to pay his salary. So if it's complicated for Bayern...

“But maybe he wants to come back, I don't know. It’s a great debate, but it’s not a current debate.”

Now, however, Varane’s future is very much a current topic, but it appears he will have to make an effort with his wages if he is to make a dream return to Lens.