Ex-Chelsea defender Glen Johnson says his former club should seriously consider signing Raphael Varane when his contract expires at Manchester United this summer.
Speaking to Betfred, Johnson acknowledged that the World Cup winner has been injury-prone since arriving in England, but he feels that the player could still play a role off the pitch in guiding the young squad, even if he doesn’t play every match.
“Good players like that don’t come around often and they certainly come around less often on a free transfer. I know he’s not the Varane he was three or four years ago but he’s still a bloody good player. Yes, he’s had his injury problems but that’s what outweighs the transfer fee – if you’re buying him on a free and he’s only playing 40% of the games, then that’s still a good deal to do.”
“As we saw with Thiago Silva, those sort of players who have done everything, played for top teams and clubs, they get the attention of the dressing room and they’re the big names that the younger players want to look up to and obviously they’re great to have around. So, if you have got a chance with Varane on a free transfer and he’s only going to play 50% of the games, I still think it’s a good deal.”
Fans on X are rather sceptical about Johnson’s suggestion with the vast majority not believing that signing Varane would be worthwhile due to his age and fitness record:
No, too injury prone
— Chelsea Season (@ChelseaSeason) April 17, 2024
There are no more beds at Hospital FC.
— Uby (@topgent007) April 17, 2024
To do what exactly. He's past his best days already
— EXCELLENCE (@ExcelasUnique) April 17, 2024
He can't even give you 20 games a season
— The Optimist (Hush) (@seankessy_) April 17, 2024
I would rather not have any defender than to have him in the squad
— CHUCKS d' OYO GUY (@chuksdoyo) April 17, 2024
We don’t need him
— ADE رضوان الله🩵🥰 (@AdeHimSef) April 17, 2024
Terrible move
— Alex Abramovich (@TheBlackBoehly) April 17, 2024
No way
— FELIXINHO 🇳🇬🇧🇷 (@Cfclampardjnr) April 17, 2024
Varane’s injury history could put off Chelsea
Since moving to United in the summer of 2021, the 30-year-old has picked up no less than 8 injuries, as well as having two spells out with illness.
In total, Varane has spent 177 days on the treatment table, missing 39 games during that time.
An experienced replacement for Thiago Silva is needed
With Silva set to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer at the end of the season, there will be a huge gap to fill in terms of the Brazilian’s influence in the dressing room.
At the moment, it does appear as if Chelsea are focused on signing a younger replacement for Silva but Varane’s experience could prove invaluable.
