MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 15: Raphael Varane of France celebrates with the World Cup Trophy following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
According to Defensa Central (h/t The Mirror), Manchester City are interested in signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane to bolster their defensive options.
Varane, 26, came through the ranks of Lens’ youth system and joined Real Madrid in 2011. Initially, he played second-fiddle to Pepe but has become a regular member in the last four seasons. In the process, he has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe and has almost won everything at both club and international level.
The Frenchman has become one of the most reliable players in the Los Blancos squad, establishing a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos. He was also in spectacular form for France in their World Cup-winning campaign.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled in the league campaign so far without proper defensive options. After selling Vincent Kompany last summer, City failed to replace the Belgian and that has proved costly for the club.
They were dependent upon Aymeric Laporte to steer the backline but the Frenchman was out of action for the best part of the 2019/20 season. John Stones and Argentine centre-back Nicolas Otamendi have struggled to lift their form and City were devoid of established central defenders to rely upon.
As a result, the manager turned towards defensive midfielder Fernandinho to take charge at the back. Though the Brazilian has done a decent job, he was ripped apart by some of the top teams including Liverpool and Manchester United earlier in the campaign.
The defensive unit has already conceded 31 goals, which is high according to their standards, compared to just 22 goals they let in throughout the 2018/19 season. Thus, adding an elite centre-back to the squad should the top priority for the next season and Raphael Varane would be a good fit at the Etihad.
Varane would add a wealth of experience to City if he joins them. The French international has chalked up 333 career appearances and has represented his country 64 times. He has become a part of the dominant Los Blancos team, winning four Champions League titles with them in the past few years. Currently, in his ninth season with them, he has featured in 33 games across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing an assist.
The former Lens man would undoubtedly bolster City’s team while adding the much-needed depth to the squad. At the age of 26, he still has a lot to offer at the highest level and could be a big boost at the back for City.
Varane is an established figure at Santiago Bernabeu and given his volumes of experience at the highest level, he would be a valuable addition to Guardiola’s side. Hence, City should convince the Frenchman and lure him to Etihad in the summer.
