In a recent interview with RMC Sport, Rennes president Nicolas Holveck revealed that the club is open to selling highly-rated midfielder Eduardo Camavinga in the ongoing transfer window, given that an offer satisfies all the parties involved.
“Discussions are still ongoing; everything is open, either for a departure during this transfer window – if an offer satisfies everyone – or to extend [his contract].” – Holveck revealed.
Manchester United are already in talks with Rennes over a potential transfer for the player; however, the French club wants a fee in the region of €50 million (£43m).
Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be in the race for the 18-year-old’s signature.
Camavinga’s Phenomenal Rise
In a season where Rennes managed to secure the 6th spot in Ligue 1 with 58 points in 38 games, the France international was ranked as one of the top performers of his side with an average WhoScored rating of 6.80. The teenager enjoyed a brilliant second season for the Red and Blacks as he took part in 35 league games last season, coming off the bench on seven occasions.
Camavinga managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board the last term as he averaged 2.8 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, and 0.4 clearances per 90 minutes in the French top-flight (calculated over 38 appearances). Moreover, with 1.7 long balls played per game with an overall pass accuracy of 89%, he was one of the best distributors of the ball for his side. These numbers underline his capabilities of holding on to the ball when needed and how he can win the ball back or pick up the right man on the other side of the pitch to start counter-attacks effortlessly – the main element of Solskjaer’s style.
Even though Camavinga is naturally suited to the central midfield role, his versatility allows him to operate across the entire midfield region – be it as a holding or a defensive midfielder. However, given his tender age, it’s quite hard to predict how he would adapt in England. Nonetheless, with the wide array of technical abilities the 18-year-old possesses, he’d be a great addition to any top European side at this moment.
The Perfect Fit For United’s Midfield?
Nemanja Matic will turn 33 next month, whereas Paul Pogba’s future at the club still seems uncertain as he hasn’t penned down a new contract yet. Eduardo Camavinga can act as a direct replacement for his countryman in the long term but could be initially asked to fill in the defensive midfield position.
His arrival at Old Trafford will undoubtedly strengthen Solskjaer’s midfield department, and he could potentially be the final piece of the puzzle the Norwegian tactician needs to turn Manchester United into serious title contenders.
Hence, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should definitely try and get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.
(Stats from WhoScored)
