When Eduardo Camavinga joined Real Madrid from Rennes in 2021, he was tipped to become one of the finest central midfielders in the world.
However, despite helping Los Blancos win several major trophies, it would be fair to say that the Frenchman’s move to Spain has not worked out.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga giants are open to selling Camavinga during the upcoming summer transfer window.
“From Real Madrid, if a big proposal comes in the summer and Camavinga could be open to
discussing that proposal, they would not consider Camavinga untouchable,” Romano said.
“Real Madrid could open doors to an exit. But it doesn’t mean that Real Madrid are telling all the clubs that they don’t want Camavinga. That’s not the case.
“Another important point to mention on Camavinga – we have to understand about the manager because the situation is obviously going to impact several situations at Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.”
With that in mind, read on as we assess whether Madrid should sell Camavinga this summer and why an exit is the right move for him.
Madrid move has not helped Camavinga’s career
Camavinga’s best position is undoubtedly as a central midfielder. He can operate in front of the back four or be deployed further up the pitch.
However, having signed the Frenchman to improve their midfield options, Madrid have repeatedly used him in other areas of the pitch.
While the versatility to play in several positions is an admirable trait, it is a factor which has had a detrimental impact on Camavinga’s progress at Madrid.
He has repeatedly been shuffled around this season, playing in five different roles. Madrid’s failure to give him a settled place in the team has damaged his confidence.
His recent dismissal in a Champions League tie against Bayern Munich did nothing to improve his standing with the club. It was also the final straw for many of the club’s fans.
Although Camavinga may be tempted to fight for his place at Madrid, losing the backing of the supporters is an obstacle he is unlikely to overcome.
A fresh start elsewhere would allow Madrid to make a profit on their initial investment and give Camavinga the chance to rebuild his career in more favourable surroundings.
United would be the ideal landing spot for the Frenchman
Camavinga will not be short of suitors this summer, particularly when considering that he could be available for a relatively affordable fee.
Manchester United stand out as a viable landing spot for a player who could become the heartbeat of their midfield if he is given a sustained run of games.
Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford this summer, while Manuel Ugarte could follow him out of the club after failing to live up to expectations.
Camavinga is the type of player who United fans would immediately take to their hearts, and that love could have a transformative impact on his career.
His current situation bears some similarities to Eric Cantona, who brought plenty of baggage with him when he arrived at Old Trafford.
United fans quickly recognized Cantona’s qualities and he took them on a journey which became one of the most memorable eras in the club’s history.
If Camavinga was handed a central role in United’s team, he could ultimately become the catalyst for another sustained period of success.
Signing Camavinga would also open the door for United to pursue Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. He would add even more quality to their midfield.
Selling Camavinga would boost Madrid’s transfer kitty
Madrid have reportedly drawn up a seven-man midfield shortlist for the summer transfer window, but they are determined to avoid overpaying for players.
Vitinha and Enzo Fernandez are amongst the players linked with Madrid, but neither of them would fall into the ‘affordable’ category.
By contrast, a move for AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit could largely be funded by the income Madrid would generate from selling Camavinga this summer.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koemen has described Smit as a hybrid of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, highlighting his intelligence and composure on the ball.
The 20-year-old is already a standout performer in the Eredivisie and looks ready to make the jump to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Barcelona have been touted as a potential destination for the Dutchman, but their well-documented financial issues may scupper their hopes of signing him.
If Madrid can agree a deal for Camavinga to leave the club when the season ends, they would be ideally placed to replace him with Smit.
