Raphael Varane is set to depart Manchester United next summer, rather than the anticipated January transfer window. The French defender has gradually ran out of luck at Old Trafford, under the management of Erik ten Hag. Meanwhile, contrary to earlier suggestions of a potential return to Real Madrid, sources now indicate that Varane is exploring options in Italy or Saudi Arabia. A source close to the unfolding event told The Sun Sport, “The days are numbered for Raphael Varane at Manchester United, and the clock is ticking on his future.”
Rafael Varane – Getty image While Erik ten Hag aims to retain his first team squad for a top-four pursuit, Varane’s departure is expected in the summer. The player’s shift to the fourth choice in Ten Hag’s defensive lineup, behind long time bench-warmer Jonny Evans, has fueled his desire for a new challenge elsewhere. The player has already attracted Interest from Saudi Arabia, with offer including a substantial increase in wages. Additionally, Varane is also tempted by the prospect of playing in Italy. He had expressed his admiration for the league before now.
Varane had announced his retirement from international football in February at the age of 29. The French footballer who cited “suffocating” schedule as his reason for retirement, has further revealed that players are overworked, and it might get worse. He said; “The calendar is already more than full, the players are overworked and it will get even worse. I’m afraid that we will witness much shorter careers and that players will have to give up the France team very early because, physically or mentally, what we are asking for today is simply beyond limits. The fact that I announced the end of my international career and not having hidden the reasons, that resonated with many players. 
“Believe me, all the international players who play in Europe and never stop go through periods of poor form lasting several months, or they get injured. The young players who start in the France team there, those who have played in the World Cup, are going to have to make a lot of sacrifices if they want to stay on top for ten years. And it might be harder than what I’ve experienced.” Varane won 93 caps for his country, winning the World Cup in 2018, and is the 13th top appearance maker in France’s history. Belgium and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had also claimed that players are treated like “robots” in a recent interview, given the recent football schedule.