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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Manchester United have announced that Raphaël Varane will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season after three years with the club.
Varane arrived in a £40 million ($50.2m) deal from Real Madrid in 2021 and has made 93 appearances for the club. He was a key part of Erik ten Hag’s team last season as United finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup.
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But he has struggled with injury this term and hasn’t featured since the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on April 4.
Ten Hag has consistently said Varane could still play a part in the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on May 25.
United decided against triggering a one-year extension in his contract which would have kept him at the club until 2025. The 31-year-old, who won the Champions League four times during a 10-year spell at Real Madrid, has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia or a return to former club Lens.
Sources have told ESPN that United are looking to sign a new centre-back in the summer. They have shown interest in Fulham‘s Tosin Adarabioyo, who is available on a free transfer in the summer, but Newcastle United are leading the race for his signature.
“To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years playing for this special club and wearing that shirt,” Varane said in a post on social media.
“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club and the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.
“Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy. I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last home game of the season.
“It’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.”