Birthdate: 24 March 1993
Born: Montevideo, Uruguay
Position: Full-back (right)
International: Uruguay Under-20. Had 9 caps and is will be representing his country in the U-2o Championships which is taking part in Turkey later this month.
Background: He started his career with Peñarol and made his senior début, and only appearance for the club, on June 5th 2011 against Racing Club de Montevideo in the Primera División. Peñarol finished 3rd that season, 2nd the following season and were champions last season. Peñarol gets its name from a neighbourhood on the outskirts of Montevido, where Varela was born and grew up.
Link with United: Varela had a two week trial at United in early May. Upon returning to Uruguay, he told Tirando Paredes: “I have trained with the first-team. I am very happy and I was received very well. It was a surprise to get the chance to test with Manchester United. I’m glad and happy, and grateful to Penarol who allowed me to travel. I was treated so well and Chicharito helped me a lot. The work outs were short but very demanding.”
Signing for United: On Thursday, Penarol club treasurer Rodolfo Catino brought Varela to England. He tweeted: “In San Pablo airport waiting for the connection to London, with Guille about to board travelling with him.” Later that day he tweeted a picture of Varela on a plane at Manchester Airport and revealed that he would be having a medical the following day, although negotiations had yet been concluded. A deal was finalised on Friday.
Transfer fee: Reportedly £1m with the potential to rise to £2.5m.