Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is set to move to Serie A side Como, under the management of Cesc Fabregas, next season.

Raphael Varane, a center back who used to play for Manchester United and Real Madrid, is about to start a new part of his career. An Italian journalist named Fabrizio Romano says that Varane is about to finish a move to Como, a new Serie A team.

When Varane moved from Real Madrid to Manchester United in 2021, there were high hopes for him. The 31-year-old made a big difference for Manchester United during his three years there, helping the team win the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. The FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley was his last game for United. It was also the end of his deal with the club.

 

Manchester United publicly said on May 14 that Varane will be leaving the club this summer. This choice was made after MU chose not to use the option in his contract to automatically extend it for another 12 months.

Since he left Manchester United, Varane has been linked with moves to the MLS or the Saudi Pro League. It looks like Serie A might be his next stop, though. Fabrizio Romano says that Varane is almost ready to sign a two-year deal with Como that will last until June 2026 and give them the chance to add a third year until 2027.

Following their return to Serie A after 21 years, Como are making a big splash in the transfer market. The club made a big move by signing Varane, who is a very good player with a great name.

Varane leaves Manchester United after 3 years. Photo: Getty.

 

Having faced each other in many El Clasico matches in the past, Fabregas and Varane will now meet again as teacher and student. Photo: Getty.

Cesc Fabregas – former Chelsea and Arsenal star, now manager of Como, is said to have played a key role in convincing Varane to join the team. Fabregas is not only the manager but also owns shares in Como, so he has long-term ambitions with the club.

Como are building a remarkable squad with a number of former Premier League stars, and have also signed former Liverpool duo Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno this summer.

The French centre-back will sign a two-year contract, with an option for a one-year extension, with Como. Photo: X Fabrizio Romano.

At Como, Varane will have to compete directly with Jay Idzes, a newly naturalized Indonesian centre-back who was a mainstay of the team last season with 30 appearances. This will be a new challenge for Varane, requiring him to quickly adapt to the new environment and Serie A style of football.

With a wealth of experience and impressive achievements, including multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a World Cup with the French national team, Varane is expected to bring Como the stability in defense and the winning spirit needed to help the team stay in the league next season.