Former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has shed light on the decision behind Real Madrid’s choice to part ways with stars Raphael Varane and Casemiro, who found new homes at Manchester United in the last three years.
Transfer Deals: Varane and Casemiro to Man United
United triumphed in securing the services of Raphael Varane for £41 million in 2021 and Casemiro for a staggering £70 million in the following year. Despite high expectations and the hefty price tags, both players struggled to replicate their form and fitness during their Los Blancos tenure, leaving fans questioning the Red Devil’s tactical oversight behind the high-stakes transactions.
Injury Woes and Contract Uncertainty
Varane’s three-year spell at Old Trafford has been marred by injuries, and in spite of making a strong impression upon his arrival in the Premier League, the French defender has fallen down the pecking order this season. This has prompted the United hierarchy against exercising the one-year option in his contract.
Meanwhile, Casemiro experienced a more formidable influence on the squad since he moved from Santiago Bernabeu, but, his contributions were hindered as the Brazilian midfielder missed a substantial part of the ongoing season due to injury.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is aiming for a revamp of the squad this summer and Casemiro could be on top the list to be heading for the exit doors.
Thierry Henry's Revelation: Real Madrid's Strategic Approach
Speaking to CBS Sports, Henry delved into Real Madrid's strategic foresight, applauding the club's ability to blend experience and youth, emphasizing their instinct for knowing when to part ways with established stars.
"There's one thing you have to give them [Real Madrid] a lot of credit for, the ability they have to make sure they build a team with keeping some of the old guard with them to make sure that they can explain to the guys coming, the young guys coming."
"If you look at it, if [Kylian] Mbappe goes there, they're going to have a team that can be dominating Europe and dominating their league for maybe six to seven years because they'll all be young."
The 46-year-old highlighted the significance of Casemiro's departure, shedding light on the La Liga giants' commitment to nurturing young talents. It signifies a calculated move by the club to mentor the next generation and ensure sustained success in the future.
"The one thing they do ever so well is they know when to get rid of players. I am not talking about the players that are logical to get rid of. I am talking about it was time for [Cristiano] Ronaldo. It was time for Casemiro. It was time for [Mesut] Ozil. It was time for Varane, which was more, I think, of a knee issue, if I understand well."continued Henry
"But if you think about those three – [Luka] Modric, [Toni] Kroos and Casemiro – they sold the youngest one. Why would you sell the youngest one? Well, they noticed that those two can help Valverde, Tchouameni, [Eduardo] Camavinga and they do that ever-so-well and you have to give them credit because when you get rid of the players that I mentioned before, they were outstanding players at that time for your team."