Raphael Varane has sent a message to his former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro a message ahead of the pair being reunited at Manchester United.
United announced on Friday evening that they had agreed a deal with Madrid with an initial fee of £60million plus a further £10m in potential add-ons. The midfielder is now set to undergo a medical at United’s facilities before completing his switch.
United had made a deal for the Madrid star their prime focus after their move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot broke down over the Frenchman’s wage structure while their summer-long pursuit of Barcelona ’s Frenkie de Jong has not reached a definitive conclusion.
The Brazil international will become the fourth incoming of the summer at Old Trafford. New boss Erik ten Hag has already secured the signings of defenders Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez from Feyenoord and Ajax respectively, alongside the acquisition of free agent Christian Eriksen – yet the addition of a star holding midfielder represents their most significant move.
Varane and Casemiro played in tandem at Real Madrid across the space of seven seasons between 2013 and 2021 – while Casemiro spent the 2014/15 campaign on loan at Porto – and formed a close relationship on and off the pitch, helping the club to winning multiple La Liga titles and Champions League crowns.
Central defender Varane – who endured a difficult opening campaign at Old Trafford having joined from Los Blancos a year ago – has posted on social media: “Many battles fought together with my warrior Case! Welcome to Manchester, amigo.”
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Casemiro has not be signed in time to face Liverpool in Monday night’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford. United desperately need a good result after their Premier League opening day defeat against Brighton prior to their humiliating four-goal loss at Brentford last time out – prompting United chiefs to step up their transfer attempts.
United are hopeful that Casemiro will lead a late influx of arrivals at Old Trafford in the closing weeks of the transfer window. A £67million offer has been lodged for Ajax forward Antony, although this has been knocked back by the Dutch giants. PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is an attacking alternative.
The club are also hopeful of signing a new goalkeeper to provide competition to the out-of-form David De Gea while they are also hopeful of adding a new right-back, although that is tied into the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who may complete a return to Crystal Palace this summer.
