Manchester United didn’t sign a midfielder this summer to complete an incredible and unforgettable transfer window despite the likes of Saul Niguez and Eduardo Camavinga being available.
Instead the Spaniard moved to Chelsea on loan and the 18-year-old Frenchman joined Real Madrid from Rennes for £27m (BBC Sport).
Camavinga followed up scoring on his debut at the Bernabeu against Celta Vigo in a 5-2 win with a crucial assist which meant his side started their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win against Inter Milan.
The French international didn’t start either game but he already has a goal and an assist in just 42 minutes of football for the Spanish giants.
Playing freely
On the same night that Jude Bellingham, another former United midfield target and 18-year-old, ensured his side also started their Champions League campaign with a win, Camavinga looks increasingly settled and happy following a summer of uncertainty, which affected his early season performances for Rennes.
The highly-rated midfielder signed for Madrid on deadline day after entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Ligue 1 club, who were not prepared to lose him on a free transfer next year.
But with the transfer saga over, Camavinga is now showing the form that made him one of the most sought after youngsters in European football.
Playing alongside and learning from the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro, Camavinga will be tasked with leading Carlo Ancelotti’s side into a new era of success.
United’s loss is Madrid’s gain
Following the signings of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, it seemed that United had no more money left in this year’s transfer kitty.
But if more money would have been recouped through player sales on top of the £25m (BBC Sport) Leeds paid for Daniel James, Camavinga could have become financially viable this summer.
However, the Manchester Evening News reported that United never followed up their interest in Camavinga after holding discouraging talks with the midfielder’s representatives in the summer transfer window.
The teenager’s preference was always on a move to Spain and given the club will only sign players who are completely sold on the vision of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, the move was a non-starter.
There is no denying at £27m, Madrid have got a midfielder that could dominate European football for the next 15 years, but United’s quest to sign that midfielder who glues the team together continues.
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