More details of Raphael Varane’s transfer to Manchester United have been reported.
The Telegraph report United will pay an initial £34.2 million for the centre-back. A further £8.5 million will be payable in add-ons.
That makes £42.7 million in all, matching the 50 million Euros reported by Di Marzio, which did not break down the details of the bonus structre.
A base price of just £34.2 million is an outrageous fee. It represents Varane’s expiring contract, and Real’s weak position.
Varane told Real he was not re-signing a new contract, leaving them with stuck with a player who told them he wanted out, specifically to join United.
Where Varane’s price fits in
At a price of £34.2 million, Varane will become United’s 12th most costly signing of all time.
He sits above Victor Lindelof (£31 million) and just below Donny van de Beek (£35 million), Anthony Martial (£36 million) and Juan Mata (£37 million).
United have got extremely fortunate that Varane had just one more year left on his contract.
Real Madrid wanted much more for Varane this summer originally. Spanish newspaper AS reported Real wanted around £60 million for the defender initially. That would have put him in among the top five most expensive United deals of all time.
Varane’s price stands out
United were criticised for paying £80 million for Harry Maguire. Varane evens it out. To sign Maguire and Varane for a combined £120 million, or just under, is pretty good business.
This summer Arsenal are set to pay £50 million for Ben White. They are paying for his age, 23, and potential resale potential, but Varane sticks out as a bargain by comparison.
United have clearly benefited from Varane’s expiring deal, and rightly so. For years we have seen the club overpay for transfer targets, without the experience and quality the Real Madrid man has to offer.
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