Camavinga Could Solve Two United Problems in One Signing

Real Madrid are open to selling Eduardo Camavinga this summer, with Manchester United currently leading Manchester City in the race for the 23-year-old France international midfielder.

According to The Daily Mail, Los Blancos are prepared to make Camavinga available for transfer to offset spending elsewhere, despite the player’s own preference to remain at the Bernabeu.

Why United Are Ahead in the Race

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Michael Carrick has been clear that midfield reinforcement is United’s primary business this summer, targeting three signings in the department to cover for Casemiro’s departure and the planned sale of Manuel Ugarte. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have already arrived, with United having spent around £85 million to land the pair, but neither is the out-and-out defensive midfielder Carrick wants as his third piece.

Having missed out on Aurélien Tchouaméni – another Real Madrid midfielder United pursued earlier this window – the Reds have turned their attention to his compatriot and club teammate.

As reported by The Daily Mail, both Manchester City and Manchester United have considered Camavinga, but cost would be key if the player is put up for transfer. The report also says City have been discussing Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, while United are looking for more conservatively priced options or deals that can be structured.

City’s pivot toward Bouaddi effectively hands United clearer air in the pursuit, though the fee and deal structure remain the central obstacle. With Ugarte sidelined through injury and significant funds already committed, INEOS are unlikely to sanction a straightforward big-money outlay for a third midfielder.

The Two-Problem Calculation

There is one scenario that could change the arithmetic. Camavinga has regularly deputised at left-back for Real Madrid, and United are also in the market for cover behind Luke Shaw. If INEOS conclude he can credibly fill both roles, the case for premium spending becomes considerably easier to make.

Sales of Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martínez, or Noussair Mazraoui could also free up the budget required for a more ambitious third midfield signing. The Reds are monitoring several midfield options at various price points, and Camavinga is among the more expensive options that could require a structured deal or funds from sales to unlock.

Real Madrid’s openness is also tied to whether they can agree a deal on costs and whether the parties are open to a structured arrangement.

Whether Camavinga’s camp eventually pushes for a move will be the clearest signal of whether this goes anywhere.