Varane Linked With Shock Saudi Switch As Al-Nassr Among Potential January Suitors

Raphael Varane could reportedly reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Nassr emerge as potential suitors for the Manchester United defender.

The 30-year-old centre back is reportedly the target of multiple Saudi clubs, with Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr leading the race to capture him during the upcoming January transfer window, according to Teamtalk. The Red Devils have lost eight of their first 15 games of the season, which is their worst start in sixty years. There have been rumours of a broken dressing room as dissatisfaction with Erik ten Hag’s leadership continues to mount.

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According to reports, the team has been dissatisfied with Ten Hag’s team selections, especially with the treatment Varane has received in the last few weeks. Although he was fully fit, he was dropped against Manchester City and then completely ignored for the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United.

Varane’s entourage has been approached by a few Champions League clubs as well but Saudi Arabia could potentially offer him a more lucrative financial deal that would be hard for him to turn down. He currently earns over £300,000 per week at Old Trafford.

The report mentions that several promises made to Varane when he was signed in 2021 have not been met as the gulf between United and the other Premier League powerhouses has considerably increased in the last couple of years. Moreover, United could even undergo a complete squad overhaul as the disgruntled players are likely to leave in search of new challenges and it is unlikely that the 2018 World Cup winner would undergo that process at this stage in his career where he is looking for stability.

Varane’s current deal with United runs until 2025 and the board will be eager to recoup part of their £41m investment in the player by commanding a significant transfer fee from any potential suitor.

Varane has only made six appearances for United this season. He was also rested for Saturday’s Premier League matchup against Fulham, with Harry Maguire starting at centre defence alongside Jonny Evans. His future will be eagerly watched during the January transfer window as Saudi Arabia continues to try to entice elite players to the Pro League.