Raphael Varane’s future at Manchester United is unclear

Contrary to what was previously believed, Raphael Varane’s Manchester United contract expires after the current season. 

Varane’s future at Old Trafford is far from assured despite his grand signing in 2021; he has fallen out of the starting lineup in recent months. Since arriving this summer, Harry Maguire, a right-footed central defender, has been favoured, while Jonny Evans has also been ranked ahead of him.

There is a 12-month option in Varane’s contract to extend it until 2025, but he may leave as a free agent as early as June if the club doesn’t extend it.

In a move valued at little over £40 million, the 30-year-old France international left Real Madrid, although it now seems very improbable that he would sign a new contract. Although it seems unlikely, United hasn’t ruled out taking up the option on his existing contract.

In addition to Varane, multiple other well-known players for United may have expiring contracts in 2024. One player in a similar circumstance is Varane’s fellow Frenchman Anthony Martial. Although he has an option on his contract, which expires in 2024, it’s unlikely that United will be rushing to prolong his stay at Old Trafford. The defensive duo of Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another possibility that United is thinking about. After the season, both players’ contracts expire.