Real Madrid getting ready to sell key starter to Manchester United?

Real Madrid are headed for an eventful summer transfer window this year with their eyes fully on Galacticos Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. But they may also have to do some maneuvering in midfielder and defense, especially if two vital starters end up leaving this summer.

Sergio Ramos’ contract is up at the end of the season, and while there are some positive indicators that a deal will get done in March, he has still not put pen to paper. Maybe worse yet, his partner Raphael Varane is on an expiring contract after the 2021-2022 season, so if Real cannot extend him soon, they may have to sell him this summer in order to get anything back.

According to a report from the Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst, Real Madrid are “pessimistic” about their ability to sign Raphael Varane to a new deal, and they are “prepared” to cut a deal with Manchester United, who have consistently been linked to the French star.

Per Luckhurst, Varane thinks Real aren’t offering him enough money in comparison to what his teammates are making, and I wonder if he’s comparing the offer on the table from Real to him to what Ramos could be making.

Raphael Varane could get a higher salary outside of Real Madrid

Varane could obviously make more money with another club. A big Premier League side like United that is desperate for his quality would budget more, and that’s not even considering what clubs like PSG, Manchester City, or Chelsea could offer. And PSG and Chelsea have seemingly always coveted Varane. The center back always seemed like a “no-go”, but, now, the door is open for these clubs to swoop in.

Selling Varane would be a huge blow to Los Blancos. The 27-year-old is arguably the best center back in the entire world due to his reading of the game, aerial ability, intangibles as a leader, composure under immense pressure, and closing speed.

But Real Madrid would have no choice but to sell if Varane does not want to extend. They cannot lose a player of his quality for free, since Real could still make upwards of 50 million euros on selling him, even in the current economic situation. Players like him go for a premium price, because top clubs like United and Chelsea will be there to bid and bid high.

We’ll see how this story develops as we get closer to the summer transfer window, but Madridistas must face the very real prospect of losing Varane. Whether or not his ultimate destination is United, that also remains to be seen.