Official: Raphael Varane Signs for Manchester United

Manchester United has confirmed the signing of Raphael Varane, pending a medical, luring the center-back to the Premier League for roughly 50 million euros. The center-back only had a year remaining on his Real Madrid contract and is entering on a new challenge in England.

The player didn’t train with Real Madrid on Tuesday evening before his transfer was confirmed by both clubs immediately after. It has been in the works for weeks, with the clubs negotiating the fair price for the world-class center-back who was going to become a free agent next summer.

Sources reported that Varane wasn’t going to renew, and now he has left Real Madrid after 10 seasons in which he won 18 titles.

“Real Madrid would like to express their gratitude to Raphael Varane and his family and wish him the best of luck in this new stage of his career,” a Real Madrid statement said. “Our club thanks the player for his professionalism and exemplary conduct throughout his ten seasons representing our colors.”

Manchester United, meanwhile, is enjoying the arrival of a player who can partner Harry Maguire to form an elite central defense.