Real Madrid Transfers: Raphael Varane could go for much less than initially thought

Real Madrid are going to have to stare down some difficult situations on the transfer market this summer. There won’t be much time to celebrate the return of Carlo Ancelotti, because Madridistas have to carefully monitor what the team will do with key veterans who are on expiring contracts or who are in unsettled situations after underperforming in 2020-2021.

Raphael Varane is in the former camp. Though he ended the season with an injury, he was quite solid throughout the campaign. He remains one of the world’s best center backs. But he could be playing for another team next season with just one year left on his contract and no sign of a renewal on the horizon. Los Blancos cannot afford to lose him for free.

Whenever Varane’s name has been mentioned in transfer rumors, we keep hearing about how Real Madrid can recoup significant funds for the player. Even figures like 70 million euros are thrown around, as Varane, in normal circumstances, would be worth a TON of money due to his talent and pedigree.

Unfortunately, there is one report stating something to the contrary. Appearing on El Partidazo de COPE, Paco Gonzalez stated that Raphael Varane is one of three players, along with Sergio Ramos and Isco, who are set to leave this summer. And he says Varane could go for a fee of just 35-40 million euros, which is about half the price which fans were hoping for.

A deal involving Kylian Mbappe and Raphael Varane may be Real Madrid’s best bet this summer

That’s disappointing to hear, though it is, ultimately, just one report from one man. Real Madrid could get more money out of Varane, depending on who is interested and if there is a bit of a bidding war amongst these clubs, such as Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.

I can’t help but think, though, that if Varane is not expected to go for much more than 40 million euros, the Kylian Mbappe track is the best one for Real Madrid. We know how badly Los Blancos want Mbappe and how much they need a goal-scorer of his quality over the long term. Mbappe and Varane have been mentioned in swap-type deals that would help Los Blancos reduce the transfer fee for Paris’ gem.

So if Real cannot get as much as they hope for Varane, then the best option becomes some sort of agreement with the Ligue 1 giants. We’ll see how the interest in Varane develops this summer and if there are more reports bringing clarity on the expected valuation of the center back from interested parties.