Man United Star Varane Linked With A Return To His Former Club In Europe

Following his summer announcement of leaving Manchester United, Raphael Varane has been linked to an incredible comeback to France.

According to Foot Mercato, the 2018 World Cup winner may use his free agency to return to his childhood club, where he started his professional career before becoming well-known throughout the world with Real Madrid. After making his professional debut with the Sang et Or during the 2010–2011 season, Varane played in 24 games prior to being acquired by the Spanish powerhouses for a transfer fee of €10 million (£8.6m/$11m).

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Although the potential to sign Varane without a transfer fee is an enticing prospect, his wages could pose a significant challenge for Lens to match. Nonetheless, coach Franck Haise expressed his interest in bringing the defender back to the club and hailed his qualities as a player and leader.

“Obviously Raphael Varane can interest me, by his qualities as a player, by his qualities as a leader, by his human qualities, by everything he represents and by everything he is still capable of giving,” Haise said before facing Montpellier this Sunday.

“Certainly, the financial aspects don’t just depend on me, but if there was a possibility I would be the happiest coach.”

Varane himself has previously mentioned that he envisions retiring at one of three clubs: Real Madrid, Manchester United, or RC Lens. “I will finish my career either in Madrid, or in Manchester, or in Lens,” he stated.

“I will not move to another club [other than those]. But Madrid seems complicated to me. Players don’t usually go back there. The most likely outcome today is that I will finish [my career] in either Manchester or Lens.”

Despite the logistical and financial hurdles, the prospect of Varane ending his illustrious career where it started holds a sentimental appeal for both the player and the fans.

Varane is reportedly being watched by Saudi Pro League teams, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, in addition to other clubs; a return to Lens is still a possibility. Tigres, of Liga MX, is one club that has been linked to a move for the Frenchman.

However, Varane’s immediate focus is on finishing the season with Manchester United on a high note. He might return to action against Brighton on the final matchday of the Premier League season or might be held back for the crucial FA Cup final against Manchester City, where he hopes to help United secure silverware and end the season positively.