Varane considering Madrid exit, claims L'Equipe
L'Equipe reports that the French centre back has a desire for a new challenge after eight years and 16 trophies won at Real Madrid.
Raphael Varane is considering a summer exit from Real Madrid in in search of a new challenge elsewhere, reports French daily L’Equipe.
During his time at Madrid the French centre back has won 16 trophies, including two LaLiga and four Champions League titles, and last summer added a World Cup winner's medal to his long list of club honours.
According to L’Equipe, his decision to consider leaving the Bernabéu has nothing to do with Real Madrid’s poor season or the return of Zinedine Zidane, for whom he would be an indisputable starter.
The French media source claims Varane's only motivation is a desire “to challenge himself again” at a new club, with Manchester United reportedly a long-time admirer of the World Cup winner.
Varane joined Real Madrid in 2011 from Ligue 1 club Lille for 10 million euros. At the beginning of last season, the 25-year-old renewed his contract with Madrid until 2022, with the club setting his buyout clause at 500 million euros.
It is likely Madrid would be reluctant to let go of the Frenchman, who, at 80 million euros, is currently the most valuable defender in the world on website Transfermarkt.com.