After Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in the winter market of 2023, more and more players started to make a move to the Middle East at the end of their careers. Another Red Devils player, namely Rafael Varane, may be making a move to Saudi Arabia to join his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The French forward is not getting the respect he deserves at Manchester United, as Erik Ten Hag refuses to put him in the starting lineup of his squad. This behavior of the club boss is not taken well by the fans as well as the players, and it might be the reason for Rafael Varane’s transfer.
Erik ten Hage refuses to transfer Rafael Varane.
Rafael Varane has not been in Erik Ten Hag’s starting lineup in most of the games. The French defender has not been given much priority since he made a return in late September after recovering from his injury. Though he made the first squad in Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League Group Stage matches against FC Kobenhavn and Galatasaray, he remained an unused substitute in the Macnhester derby on October 29 and was only substituted in at the 90th minute in the Red Devils clash against Fulham.
It seems like Erik Ten Hag, who might be axed by the club soon, does not have much use for Rafael Varance and wants to push him away by the 2024 winter transfer window. Though Ten Hag’s actions seem like he does not need Varane in his squad, the reality is different. According to Football Insder, the manager wants the 2018 World Cup winner and has refused to transfer him to the Saudi Pro League. The Dutchman’s actions and words do not coincide, so we will have to wait and see what plans he has for Varane.
Rafael Varane is linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
If Rafael Varane does not feel comfortable with Macnhester United, he has the option of making a move to the Saudi Premier League available to him, like his compatriot Casemiro. Though many clubs are interested in him, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr is leading the race. The Frenchman has the option to join his former teammate and enjoy the rest of his career with him.
Rafael Varane’s current contract gets him £300,000 per week, and this amount can easily be outnumbered by Middle Eastern clubs. The 30-year-old’s move to the Saudi Pro League might make sense, as he too is at the end of his career and wants some stability, which he is not getting at Old Trafford.
We are yet to see if Rafael Varane makes a move next year or not, but Erik Ten Hag really needs to pay more attention to him if he wants to keep the defender with the Red Devils.
