Following his return to the Santiago Bernabeu, Jose Mourinho has now made a decision regarding Eduardo Camavinga’s future at Real Madrid, and Manchester City are in talks to hijack Manchester United.
Camavinga was a surprise omission from France’s World Cup squad, with manager Didier Deschamps explaining injuries were one of the main reasons he wasn’t included.
“He had a difficult season for him where he played less. He also had injuries. It’s true that he’s a player who came very early with us. He is still a young player.
“Because I have choices to make the squad structure also has to be even among the defenders, the midfielders and the forwards. But I understand and I imagine his enormous disappointment this evening.”
Indeed, ankle problems ruled the Frenchman out for nine matches last season, but his previous exploits in a Madrid shirt mean plenty of clubs are keen on a summer deal, including Liverpool and Manchester United, with both Premier League sides holding talks.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Man City have lost Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid, whereas Rodri has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium. With that in mind, it could be important to bring in a new midfielder this summer, and Camavinga has a wealth of top-level experience. |
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Finances |
Although the Madrid star has a €1bn (£857m) release clause in his contract, there have been suggestions he could be available for £52m this summer. However, with Elliot Anderson widely reported to be setting City back £116m, shelling out another huge fee on a midfielder might not be a particularly savvy move. |
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Insight |
Managing Madrid podcast host Kiyan Sobhani has lauded the 23-year-old as “incredible defensively”, which is underlined by the fact he averaged 3.8 tackles per 90 in La Liga last season, 1.4 more than any other member of the Real Madrid squad. |
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Impact |
Camavinga has featured as a defensive midfielder in 15 of his last 50 matches. As such, he could be brought in as a long-term replacement for Rodri, who is yet to pen a new contract, amid interest from Real Madrid. |
Man City in direct talks to sign Eduardo Camavinga
According to a report from Marca, Man City have now opened direct talks to sign Camavinga in a bid to get ahead of interest from rivals United, as Mourinho has now decided he is willing to offload the central midfielder, having been unimpressed by his performances over recent seasons.
City are determined to strengthen their midfield options, with a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi also being worked on, but at just 18-years-old, the Lille midfielder is more likely to be regarded as one for the future.
Man City must convince Rodri to stay despite Eduardo Camavinga pursuit
The Real Madrid maestro is exactly the calibre of player Man City should be targeting, given that he has won two Champions Leagues and made 56 appearances in Europe’s elite competition.
That said, the former Rennes man averaged 6.3 defensive contributions per 90 in La Liga last season, compared to 12.3 from Rodri in the Premier League, highlighting the gulf in quality between the two midfielders.
The City star is also better in possession of the ball, as underlined by an average of 86.7 accurate passes per 90, compared to 60.1 from Camavinga.
Rodri is one of very few current players who can say he’s won a Ballon d’Or too, doing so in 2024, so it is vital City keep hold of the Spain midfielder, regardless of whether they sign Camavinga.
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