Raphaël Varane's contractual situation appears to be more precarious than initially thought, as reported by The Athletic.

Contrary to previous assumptions, the French centre-back's contract is set to expire a year earlier than anticipated, potentially leaving him without a club in the upcoming summer.

Varane, who has faced injury challenges during his time at Old Trafford, has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Manchester United considering offers in the January window.

Recent reports indicate that Varane's contract, initially believed to conclude in 2025, actually expires in June 2024, with an optional additional year.

This revelation opens the door for Varane to explore other opportunities as early as January, allowing him to engage in discussions for a potential move and even secure a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer in the summer window.

Amidst concerns about playing time and apparent tension with manager Erik ten Hag, Varane's frustrations have grown, particularly with the resurgence of Harry Maguire's form.

Notably, in a recent match against Bournemouth, the manager chose to field full-back Luke Shaw at centre-back over Varane, adding to the uncertainties surrounding Varane's future at Manchester United.