Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is reportedly eyeing a move from Al Ittihad in his contract situation at Old Trafford this summer.
CBS journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Nadi Al Shaab are the Saudi Pro League club most interested in signing Varane this summer. The Frenchman’s contract with the Red Devils expires in June, making him available as a free agent.
Al Ittihad are willing to pay Varane 30 million euros per season as they aim to strengthen their squad. They already have players like former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema and France team-mate N’Golo Kante.
ESPN reports that Manchester United are not considering exercising the one-year extension option on the veteran defender’s contract. He has been at Old Trafford since August 2021 but has struggled with repeated fitness issues.
Varane has played in 23 games in all competitions this season, helping United keep nine clean sheets. He won the Carabao Cup with Erik ten Hag’s side last season and was a mainstay in the Dutch defense.
However, persistent fitness issues have affected Varane’s ongoing campaign. He lost his place in Ten Hag’s squad earlier this season to players such as Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
The decision regarding Varane’s future at Manchester United will be taken by Ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team. The latter two will oversee the Red Devils’ sporting operations and this summer’s transfer window after purchasing a 27.7% stake in the club.
Al Hilal is interested in getting Manchester United’s team leader, Bruno Fernandes, to join them this summer.
Bruno Fernandes is also rumored to be moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer. The Portuguese playmaker has long been one of Manchester United’s heroes and has just over two years left on his contract.
However, Football Insider has reported that Saudi giants Al Hilal could be interested in signing Fernandes this summer. They are ready to make a ‘big offer’ to bring the Portuguese international to the blue gem.
The 29-year-old has been in great form this season, scoring seven goals and providing an assist in 33 games across various competitions. He has been at Old Trafford since joining from Sporting CP in January 2020 in a deal worth €65 million.
Fernandes was appointed as United’s captain last summer, replacing Maguire. Discussions regarding the midfielder’s future are reportedly expected to take place after the end of the season.