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Manchester United look poised to part with right-back Rafael da Silva, with reports suggesting a move to Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyonnais is edging closer for the Brazilian.

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Lyon, United Agree to Fee As 4-Year Deal Prepared 

Monday, Aug. 3

Lyon announced the agreement between the two clubs, with the right-back set to sign the deal "in the next few days" per Jonathan Johnson of Bleacher Report.

Prior to Lyon's announcement, various reports in France claimed the player was set to undergo a medical ahead of his transfer, via French Football Weekly:

Per L'Equipe & Le Parisien, MUFC's Rafael to undergo Lyon medical this morning before signing 4-year deal. Fee between €2.5m-€3m. #OL #MUFC

If the deal is finalised, it’ll end a seven-year stay at Old Trafford for the defender. Rafael was a key component of the team under Sir Alex Ferguson, with his energetic forays on the right flank giving the Red Devils an eminent presence out wide. But since Louis van Gaal took over, the Brazil international has fallen out of favour.

For Lyon, he’d be a fine purchase. In a division that is a little less frenetic than the Premier League, Rafael should excel. Hubert Fournier’s side are one of the most industrious, incisive and effervescent teams in the division too, meaning the bustling Brazilian should relish his new team’s style of football.

As Footy Accumulators notes here, even though Rafael has not played much football lately, the fee is a bargain for the Ligue 1 side too:

#MUFC's Rafael off to Lyon for just £2.1m apparently! Not the best around but £2m is a bargain for the French side don't you think?

Rafael will leave the Old Trafford faithful with some fond memories. The 25-year-old was critical in the club winning three Premier League titles and was also part of the sides that made it to the Champions League final in both 2009 and 2011. But it’s for the benefit of both parties the player moves on.

He still has his best years to come—in theory at least—and the prospect of a new start for an illustrious club should stir something in Rafael. Hopefully we’ll see a player bristling with renewed ambition and endeavour in Ligue 1 next season, although there won’t be too many United supporters lamenting the Brazilian’s departure for too long.

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