Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has reportedly decided not to opt out of the Saudi Premier League in the upcoming January transfer window. The Frenchman joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 and has been in an impressive debut season, helping the team qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup. However, in the 2023-24 season, Varane has had limited playing time in the Premier League, making just five starts.
Despite this, he is not considering joining Saudi Arabia or Qatar, as his desire is to retire from Manchester United, Real Madrid or his childhood club Reims. Raphael Varane is still in contact with the Real Madrid man and owns a property in Madrid, but no talks have been given about a transfer at this time. The 30-year-old was reluctant to move mid-season, although he admitted that his absence from the game could not continue into next season.
Manchester United's sporting director, John Murtough, is said to have travelled to Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential transfer as the club aims to raise funds through players like Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho. The Red Devils currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Varane may not be available for the Christmas clash with Aston Villa due to physical discomfort, which could provide the opportunity for Jonny Evans and youngster Willy Kambwala to partner again as centre-backs.