Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has admitted that he is aiming to work with French midfielder Raphael Varane, who has agreed an agreement to join the club this summer.
Real Madrid have agreed to sell Varane, who had one year left on his contract, for around £ 40 million, although quarantine rules and medical checks mean it could take a while before the transfer is complete.
Varane is on his way to United / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Nevertheless, Solskjaer has not been able to hide his excitement at the signing, which will follow Jadon Sancho as the next high-profile arrival at Old Trafford.
“Of course I am very happy that we managed to get the deal with Real Madrid,” he said (via the club’s official website) after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford. “He is a proven winner and a player I have followed in many, many I know Sir Alex was very, very close to signing him and this time we have him at the other end of his career.
“Throughout his career, he has proven what a good person he is, first and foremost. [He’s a] professional and he has won everything there is to win.
“I am very happy to bring in both of our players. First and foremost, the club has shown ambition to have one of the most exciting young strikers in world football. [Sancho], and one of the most respected midfielders and one of the most winning midfielders in the world.
“With him in, of course we have different ways of playing, and I can see different ways of playing with Raphael. I can not wait to get him in and hopefully we can fix it soon. ”
Solskjaer also offered an update of the time frame around the Varane deal and acknowledged that there are still some obstacles to navigate before the 28-year-old can actually join the team.
“As far as I know, the club is working on the fastest possible solution to arrange everything,” he added. “I do not know the time scale of it yet. Of course, there is a visa coming to England, with Brexit and quarantine. Everything must be done as quickly as possible, but with the book. ”
Finally, Solskjær thanked his managers at United and praised them for their aggressive work in the transfer market so far.
THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER. @ManUtd? pic.twitter.com/k4rEbNYmdg
– Jadon Sancho (@ Sanchooo10) July 24, 2021
“As a manager, you can not ask for more support once you have received these two as early as we have,” he said (via Sky Sports News).
“We have climbed earlier towards the end of the window and now I think, I must say, we are in a good position. The pre-season is always difficult, but in a championship year, regardless of the pandemic with quarantine and isolation.”
