With his future a doubt at Real Madrid, Raphael Varane could become an interesting option for Liverpool after it’s centre-back crisis was highlighted once again in this past weekend’s loss at home against league-leading Manchester City.
In January, Liverpool waited until the late hours of the transfer window to bring in reinforcements.
Ozan Kabak (Schalke) and Ben Davies (Preston North End) were the defenders who were brought in a nominal fee to essentially cover for the remainder of the season, and perhaps longer in Kabak’s case.
With a number of questions at center-back not only at the moment, but the near future, perhaps LFC will return to the market again in the summer to bring in reinforcements.
In-Depth: Varane
A profoundly skilled centre-back who has excelled at the highest of levels, Varane can provide Liverpool with a senior centre-back with a title-winning mentality and ability to back it up.
Pair him alongside Virgil van Dijk and you are looking at the most talented pairing of centre-backs in modern football.
With 370 appearances to his name for ‘Los Blancos’, Varane, stylistically speaking, plays a game similar to van Dijk.
A fantastic passer, with aerial prowess, and exceptional ability to read the game, Varane can give Liverpool two elite centre-backs in a league dominated by teams that are strong and have depth in defence.
Uncertain Future
The Frenchman’s contract situation with Real Madrid is at an impasse. Spanish outlet, Marca, are reporting that if Varane does not renew his contract (which has one more year left), they will look to sell the centre-back this summer at approximately €50M (£44M) to avoid losing him on a free.
It was nearly two years ago the defender admitted in an interview with Marca that, “Everything has to end one day”, in reference to rumours that he wanted to leave Madrid.
To fuel the flames even more, in September, Varane switched agencies and is now represented by CAA.
CAA represent a number of highly talented footballers in the Premier League; Kyle Walker, James Maddison, Dele Alli, and Heung-Min Son.
It seems as though all signs are pointing towards a Bernabeu exit for Varane.
If the situation regarding Varane’s contract drags on into the summer, big clubs will come knocking on Real Madrid’s door.
Don’t be surprised if Liverpool is one of them.
