Raphael Varane Next Club Odds: Bayern Munich And Juventus Favourites To Buy Him

Raphael Varane’s future remains uncertain and the best betting sites continue to offer a market in where he will end up next.

The France international made his first Premier League start since September on Sunday. 

It went well as Varane was Manchester United’s standout performer as they held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw against the odds.

However, Varane could still be on his way out of Old Trafford next month. He has begun fewer top-flight games than each of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans this term. 

A four-time Champions League winner cannot be satisfied with that, especially as United have not exactly been pulling up trees.

Where will the Frenchman be playing his football come February? Let’s take a look at the options.

Manchester United Stay Most Likely Outcome For Varane

There have been rumours that Varane could be on his way out next month, but Manchester United are priced at 5/4 with football betting sites to keep hold of him.

With Lisando Martinez still sidelined and Harry Maguire now injured too, Varane could get a run in the XI over the coming weeks. 

It will certainly be difficult for Erik ten Hag to drop him if he continues to perform at the level he did against Liverpool.

Ten Hag’s superiors, a group that will soon include Jim Ratcliffe, would be loath to lose Varane too. 

He remains a top-class central defender and also possesses a huge amount of winning experience from his time at Real Madrid. 

At 30 years of age Varane is not exactly over the hill either. For now at least, a January departure looks unlikely.

Saudi Arabian Clubs Sniffing Around Varane

The one thing that could force Man Utd’s hand is a big-money offer from overseas. If one of those arrives, it will probably come from the Saudi Arabia Pro League, which is given a 7/2 shot of enticing Varane to the Middle East.

Saudi sides have not been shy to splash the cash in 2023, with Varane’s former team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema among those to move to the Pro League. 

The country is investing huge amounts in football and Varane would be guaranteed a handsome pay packet should he move.

But with Euro 2024 on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether the defender is willing to wave goodbye to Europe aged just 30. 

Bayern Munich Will Look To Spend In January

Bayern Munich have not had everything their own way so far this season. 

True, the German champions breezed through to the knockout phase of the Champions League, ahead of Manchester United among others. 

But they currently trail Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, with Xabi Alonso’s side increasingly looking like the real deal.

Thomas Tuchel was not completely content with Bayern’s transfer business in the summer, so we can expect the Bavarians to get the chequebook out next month.

They are given a 7/2 chance by Bet365 of landing Varane, but a holding midfielder - Joao Palhinha is their top target - is their biggest need and there might not be enough money left over for the Frenchman.

Juventus Admire Experienced Centre-Backs

Juventus are also level with Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia in the market at 7/2. 

After a difficult season last time out, Max Allegri’s men are locked in what looks like a two-horse race for the Serie A title with Inter.

Allegri as a manager and Juventus as a club both value experience, especially in defence. 

Leonardo Bonucci departed in the summer transfer market and the Bianconeri may well be among the teams interested in Varane if he is made available.

The Italian media has reported that Juventus are monitoring the situation, but it is unclear at this stage whether they have enough money to meet United’s demands.

Real Madrid Return Considered A Long Shot 

Varane won everything there was to win during his immensely successful time at Real Madrid. 

Given Manchester United’s struggles over the last 18 months, it would be interesting to know if the 30-year-old regrets swapping the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for Old Trafford.

A return to Madrid is a long shot at 33/1 with betting apps. So is the prospect of Varane ending up at Paris Saint-Germain (33/1), who have shown no interest in making a move. 

And if Italy does prove to be the defender’s next destination, it is highly unlikely to be at Inter (40/1).