Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has been linked with a move to Al-Ittihad this week after a report came out on Friday, it seemed likely he would remain in Manchester, but that may not be the case anymore.
According to a tweet from Saudi Arabian journalist Nawaf Oga on X, the Saudi side have entered preliminary negotiations for the signing of the French defender.
As well as this, it is claimed that the defender has given positive indications about making the move to the Saudi side which would be a huge coup for Al-Ittihad.
The French defender has had a very good start to the season in the Premier League and were he to make the move to the Saudi Pro League then Al-Ittihad would have to be considered favourites to retain the title.
French reports say otherwise
Despite the positive noises from the Saudi-based journalist, Sports Zone, a French outlet on X, has claimed that the French defender would like at least one more season in Europe before he decides to make the move to the Middle East.
Despite Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante pushing the former Real Madrid star to make the move to the Pro League, it seems Varane is determined to stay at United for one more season.
The French defender, as mentioned, started the season well for United. Varane scored the winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers and, despite suffering a defeat, was also very composed and secure in the game on Saturday night.
Varane, who retired from international duty following the Qatar World Cup last season, is under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2025.
After this season, it seems likely that Al-Ittihad will return for the Frenchman and offer him a ludicrous salary package to tempt him away from Old Trafford and it seems likely the 30-year-old would make the move.