The speed of that deal took many, even some of those involved, by surprise. It had only been a few days earlier that Matt Judge had been telling some of United’s other centre-back options that the Varane transfer was not looking likely.
Instead, a deal was struck for £34 million plus add-ons for four years, with the option of a further year. The payments will be spread out and Real Madrid will pay the solidarity payment for the player crossing jurisdictions of 5 per cent of the fee.
Matt Judge