Real Madrid: Varane states intent to leave the Bernabéu
According to reports, the France defender has decided to leave this summer and informed the club, who are eyeing Koulibaly as a replacement.
Real Madrid defender Raphaël Varane has reportedly told the club he wishes to leave the Bernabéu this summer despite the return as manager of his compatriot Zinedine Zidane, who scouted the 25-year-old for Madrid when he had played just a handful of games for Lens and was instrumental in the signing of the future France captain in 2011.
However, according to a report on Spanish television sports program Jugones, Varane is disillusioned with the club and will seek a “change of scenery” in the summer, with Juventus and Manchester United keeping a close eye on developments.
AS understands that Varane is annoyed Real Madrid did not lay on any kind of tribute after France’s triumph at the 2018 World Cup, which was somewhat overshadowed at club level by Luka Modric’s Golden Ball and Ballon d’Or awards.
Real will look to Koulibaly if Varane asks to leave
Meanwhile, Jugones also reported that Varane’s teammates in the Madrid dressing room have been less than impressed by his lack of leadership during a tough season for the club and for a lack of concentration on the pitch.
Varane’s contract at Real Madrid runs until 2022 after he signed a new deal last year and he has an eye-watering release clause of 500 million euros.
Should the France international push for a transfer, Real are likely to turn their attention to long-term Zidane target Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international has been in excellent form for Napoli but will also be an expensive prospect for suitors. However, the 27-year-old also recently committed to the Serie A club, who extended his contract until 2023 and added a minimum release clause that will rise to 150 million euros at the end of next season.