Why Did Madrid Sell Varane?

By Alice Nichols

Real Madrid, one of the most successful football clubs in history, recently made headlines by selling their star defender Raphael Varane to Manchester United. The news came as a shock to many fans and experts alike, who were left wondering why the club would let go of such a talented player. In this article, we will explore some of the possible reasons behind Madrid’s decision to sell Varane.

Varane’s Career at Real Madrid

Before we delve into the reasons for his departure, let’s take a look at Varane’s career at Real Madrid. The French centre-back joined the club in 2011 from Lens and quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe. He played a pivotal role in Madrid’s four Champions League victories between 2014 and 2018, forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos at the heart of their defence.

The Financial Factor

One of the primary reasons behind Varane’s sale is undoubtedly financial. Real Madrid has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently facing significant financial constraints. Selling Varane for a reported fee of around £41 million was seen as a way to generate much-needed funds for new signings.

Varane’s Contract Situation

Another reason behind Varane’s sale could be his contract situation. The Frenchman had only one year left on his current deal, meaning that if he didn’t sign an extension, he would be able to leave on a free transfer next summer. This would have been a massive blow for Real Madrid, who would have lost one of their best players without receiving any compensation.

The Desire for Change

It’s also possible that Real Madrid simply wanted to shake things up by selling Varane. After winning four Champions League titles in five years between 2014 and 2018, the club has gone through a relatively barren spell, failing to win the La Liga title since 2017. Selling Varane and bringing in fresh blood could be seen as a way to revamp the squad and get back to winning ways.

Varane’s Desire for a New Challenge

Finally, it’s worth considering Varane’s own motivations for leaving Real Madrid. The defender has been at the club for ten years and may have felt that it was time for a new challenge. After all, he has already won everything there is to win at Madrid, and a move to Manchester United offers him the chance to test himself in a new league and environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several reasons why Real Madrid decided to sell Raphael Varane. Financial constraints, his contract situation, a desire for change, and Varane’s own desire for a new challenge all likely played a role in this decision. Whatever the reason behind his departure, there is no denying that Varane will be sorely missed by Real Madrid fans who have enjoyed watching him dominate at the back over the past decade.