Manchester United have opted not to activate a one-year extension in Raphaël Varane’s contract, which means that the defender is now free to engage in negotiations with clubs outside the Premier League. This decision allows Varane the possibility of leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer during the summer transfer window.
Despite being considered an important member of the squad by manager Erik ten Hag, United has chosen not to exercise the one-year option that would have kept the 30-year-old player on a salary exceeding £300k-per-week until June 2025.
While the club has not completely ruled out the idea of extending Varane’s stay, any future contract discussions would likely revolve around a performance-based agreement.
The current contract of the former France international is set to expire in June 2024. This approach mirrors the one taken with former goalkeeper David De Gea last season.
In a similar manner, Manchester United decided against activating a one-year option in De Gea’s contract, resulting in his departure from the club on a free transfer last summer.
Varane, De Gea, Casemiro, and Jadon Sancho were among the highest earners at United last season. Marcus Rashford joined them after signing a new long-term contract in July, valued at around £315k-per-week.
United is planning to extend Victor Lindelöf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s contracts by triggering one-year extensions to keep them at Old Trafford until 2025. Anthony Martial also has a contract until the summer, but United has chosen not to extend it until 2025.