I don't see a problem with it as we can still sign Varane on a pre-contract in January. Then we have a group of centre backs to rival the likes of City.
If we ever get an hint that a player is trying to simply get paid, why even bother go for them? It's a horrible strategy. We need players with natural passion for the game and looking to be the difference.
I don't think it's like the Di Maria transfer. Varane would've been happy to stay and is happy to leave. It's his decision. My only question mark is whether he's staying/going where he can get the money he wants. In that sense it's possibly closer to Ramos except in this case RM can't afford to match United.
RM have to slash 27% from their salary budget, Barca 40%. Disregard Barca for the moment, for RM it means that some of their high earners have to be shifted off the books - whether they want to go or not. With Ramos gone, that leaves Varane, Bale and Hazard vulnerable as RM feel they have strength in depth elsewhere to cover. Varane hasn't been sidelined, he's been highlighted on the spreadsheet by the bean-counters and has to go. RM will be fishing around the B team and reserves to fill his place but it's all about the money. That to me doesn't make a committed player. he is an excellent defender but I rather it had come about because he genuinely wanted to come to us rather than him having to save face...................
See what you are getting at (and i would certainly prefer a player to come by his choice rather than circumstance) but it may just inspire the man to think **** you Madrid, this is what you are missing to save a bit on wages. I live my life in hope
Very much this. I think the vast majority of what's been described about him suggests he wants to succeed in the Premier League. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt if he comes. He's also a boyhood United fan and considers Rio his idol so that's good enough for the fanboy in me
Treble, if you ever promise to pay me £50/day for the next five years, I will call a press conference and profess that I've always had a secret crush on you.
So, BBC has now reported that a deal is close for Varane. I like BBC because they don't rush to publish noise.
BBC are about 7 hours behind and just copy and pasting what's been reported by actual people in the know.
I love the fee that I'm seeing and not some ridiculous money. That can only be a good transfer regardless of the outcome.
Varane deal done - (subject to medical) - incredible business so far and more to come - can't wait for this season to get underway. Big, ballsy transfer moves so far - well done Ole and the team
"Should the Varane deal be completed as expected, United will have spent just short of £400m on players since Solskjaer was appointed manager on a permanent basis in March 2019. That eclipses the outlay of Manchester City (£298m), Chelsea (£262m), Tottenham (£255m) Arsenal (£243m) and Liverpool (£119m) in the same period, according to Transfermarkt." I do not want to hear a single fkin excuse next season if things do not click. Not a single one!!