One of the most loved and loathed partnerships in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team looks set to come to an end.
Today, we’ve got some disappointing news for Real Madrid fans and FIFA sweats alike! Apparently, Raphael Varane’s days are numbered at the Santiago Bernabeu. The World Cup winner apparently desires a new challenge in a new league (fingers crossed it’s the prem) and will be departing the Spanish giants in the summer for around €60 million.
“The Rat Kings”
As a pair, Varane and Mendy were very difficult to beat in the FUT game mode. With 82 and 92 pace respectively, you needed a top striker to get in behind. Plus, both players had an 82 physical stat, which meant they could bully you off the ball if you tried to beat them.
Varane also seeemed to have a VVD-esque ability to block shots from 7 feet away and extend his legs to make tackles. Until the more broken cards started to enter the game after Christmas, there was no downside to owning both Madrid players. Except for people calling you a rat, of course.
They think it’s all over… but is it?
Before you lose hope and start researching French CBs on FUTBIN, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Madrid are rumoured to be chasing Jules Koundé as a replacement. The pacey Frenchman would provide that perfect link to Mendy, and is likely due an stats boost in FIFA 22 after an amazing season with Sevilla.
Apparently, Koundé’s Sevilla contract has an eye-watering release clause of €90 million (don’t you just love Spanish football?). But that won’t dissuade Madrid, who think they can haggle their league rivals down to something more reasonable.
Kounde isn’t exactly an upgrade, with 77 pace and 73 physical on his base card this year. But we expect those stats to rise – especially if he gets his big move.
Sweaty days ahead
The transfer market rumbling on through the summer is exciting/tedious enough in real life, let alone when you consider the FIFA implications. But, one astute Twitter user has figured out how Gini Wijnaldum’s potential move to Barcelona has the potential to create a new sweaty triumvirate of Dutch players.
Memphis Depay to Barca is apparently a done deal – as Ronald Koeman looks to add more of the players who did the business for him when he was in charge of the Netherlands. Once again, this trio would be formidable until Christmas time at least. Imagine trying to hold onto a lead under constant pressure against these three!
The rise of the PES Super League
After the real-life Super League was thwarted and FIFA remained the top governing body in world football, the game hasn’t been so lucky. The Serie A exodus continues for FIFA 22, as Atalanta have become the latest team to drop out of next season’s game.
They join Juventus, Napoli, Lazio and Roma in the Konami club, as the once-great PES franchise fights back against the global power that is FIFA. What can we say? We love FIFA, but we also love an underdog story!
PES has been living in the shadow of the FIFA juggernaut for a long time – and in the spirit of fair competition – we’d love to see them emerge as genuine contenders again. PES was always a lovingly-crafted simulator that gave the football purists what they want. The world of football games would be much better off with a second top class franchise on the pitch.
Keep up to date with all of the latest FIFA 22 leaks and news here!
Stakester is ready for FIFA 22
After the FIFA 22 release date, you’ll be able to play for money and prizes on the Stakester app. Challenge anyone, or play a private game with your friends – either way, you’ll be raising the intensity and taking FIFA to the next level.
And remember, you’ll never leave a game empty handed. Every time you play, win or lose, you take home Gems that you can redeem for amazing prizes from our in-app store.
Download the Stakester App today. Test your skills by playing amazing games for money and prizes. Bang in the goals and get that W. Find out more here.