Manchester United is shopping for a midfield overhaul this summer, and the name at the top of their most realistic list might surprise you. Eduardo Camavinga could be available. Real Madrid wants to move him. And United has reportedly done the most homework on a potential deal.
According to Spanish journalist Miguel Serrano, Real Madrid’s front office wants new manager Jose Mourinho to tell Camavinga directly that he’s the last choice in midfield. That’s a pretty direct way of saying “we want you out.” The club needs to raise funds for Mourinho’s top targets, and Camavinga is the sacrifice they’re willing to make.
The 23-year-old Frenchman had a poor season by his standards. Real is asking around €60 million, which is roughly £52 million. That’s not cheap, but it’s also not insane for a Champions League-winning midfielder who turns 24 in November.
Camavinga’s camp has already started reaching out to potential buyers. According to Serrano, the player would be open to a move to a Premier League top-six club if he’s forced out. He’d also consider Bayern Munich or PSG, but neither of those clubs has shown serious interest. Juventus has been linked, but Serie A doesn’t appeal to him, and the Italian club can’t meet the asking price anyway.
United’s midfield mess and the Camavinga fit
Let’s be real about where United stands right now. Kobbie Mainoo is the only midfielder with a guaranteed long-term spot. Casemiro is leaving, probably to Inter Miami on a free transfer. Manuel Ugarte hasn’t worked out and will be sold if anyone offers decent money. United already agreed on a £39 million deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, and they’re chasing West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, though the £85 million price tag is a sticking point.
Camavinga isn’t a natural No. 6, which is the defensive midfield role United desperately needs to fill. He’s more of a box-to-box guy, comfortable as a No. 8 or even filling in at left-back. That versatility helps, but it doesn’t solve the main problem. His injury history also raises questions about how well he’d handle the jump in physicality from La Liga to the Premier League.
Still, the upside is obvious. Camavinga has world-class technical ability and physical tools. He’s won everything at club level already. If United can get him at a cut-price fee, it’s hard to walk away from that kind of talent.
The complicating factor is that United has already brought in Ederson, who plays a similar role. And they’re still pursuing Fernandes. Three midfielders who all want to play in the same area of the pitch? That gets crowded fast.
What Mourinho’s return means for this
Mourinho’s arrival at the Bernabeu changes the dynamics here. He has his own list of preferred targets, and Rodri is reportedly near the top of it. That means Real needs cash, and Camavinga is the most sellable asset who isn’t considered untouchable. The club wants Mourinho to personally tell Camavinga he’s fifth choice. That’s not subtle, but it gets the message across.
United’s recruitment director Christopher Vivell is pushing hard for Aurelien Tchouameni, who remains the club’s dream target. But Tchouameni is happy at Real, and the club is happy with him. That makes Camavinga the more realistic option, even if he’s not the ideal fit.
Liverpool is also in the conversation, according to Serrano, but United has shown the most interest so far. Whether that holds after the Ederson deal and the Fernandes pursuit remains unclear. If Real holds firm on the €60 million price tag for a player who already feels like he’s accomplished his dream at the Bernabeu, United might walk away.
But if there’s a deal to be made, it sounds like United is the club most willing to make it.
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