Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid player
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
All of Real Madrid’s transfer plans, at this point, depend directly on sales and the club have faced a dead end on that front.
After all, it is difficult to push for a player exit at a club of Real Madrid’s stature where a contract with even a bench role is something players opt to push through.
Over the past month, Real Madrid have seen two players to be particularly transferable – Eduardo Camavinga and Raul Asencio – but both players have refused to leave and insist on proving their worth.
A critical development
At this point, Real Madrid are in dire need of a new midfielder despite all that is being publicly portrayed. Camavinga’s sale, on that front, is an essential prerequisite.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Camavinga has been exit-linked for a long time. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
As reported by El Larguero in a recent update, there may be something massive brewing behind the scenes to facilitate the Frenchman’s exit. After all, Manchester United are now getting into the thick of things.
The Red Devils are reportedly already preparing an offer to send Real Madrid’s way – one that is close to the €50 million mark. They see Camavinga as a player who can elevate their midfield and could well make the offer formally in the coming hours.
What remains to be seen is whether Real Madrid deem that sum to be sufficient and if the player sees a move to Old Trafford as well.
Real Madrid are well prepared
As reported earlier this week, Real Madrid have been anticipating offers from the Premier League for a while now. They know full well of the midfield deficiencies in several top clubs and the inevitable offers that would pour in.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Manchester United are preparing an offer for Camavinga. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
As expected, Manchester United’s offer for Camavinga is imminent and may even be followed by more proposals. All that remains is for the player to open the door to an exit.
In his first league game as manager, Jose Mourinho made it clear that he sees Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde as his preferred deep midfielders.
Given that even Aurelien Tchouameni is an option for the same position, it is clear that Camavinga will not have prominence.
In case the player opts to leave, Real Madrid already have their backup target locked in place and will immediately activate the operation.
19-year-old Argentine starlet reflects on difficult Real Madrid spell: ‘It wasn’t easy’
Franco Mastantuono, Fiorentina player
Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images
When Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer, he was widely regarded as one of, if not the biggest, South American talents coming through.
Los Blancos fast-tracked him straight into the first team under Xabi Alonso, but the teenager struggled to adapt to life in Madrid.
Mastantuono left on loan to Fiorentina in the summer in a bid to get regular game time away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Argentine winger experienced a turbulent campaign at Madrid, working under three different coaches: Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and, very briefly, Jose Mourinho.
A difficult season
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Mastantuono had a torrential time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Speaking to DSports, Mastantuono admitted his year in Madrid had been challenging but believes the experience ultimately helped his development.
“We all had a difficult season in Madrid. It wasn’t easy,” Mastantuono said.
“These things always help you improve and learn. Fiorentina isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina become great again,” he explained.
Rather than viewing this move to Italy as an opportunity to move away from Madrid, he seems keen on using the experience he gained there to succeed in Italy.
Mastantuono embraces the pressure
The Argentine also discussed the demands of representing Real Madrid, something he had already experienced in a different form while playing for River Plate.
“I had the privilege of playing for River and Real Madrid, incredible teams,” he said.
“There is pressure, but it is part of the sport. I like it. For me, it is a game as well as a job, of course,” Mastantuono revealed.
That attitude perhaps explains why Mastantuono has gone searching for game time this season rather than staying at Madrid.
No bad blood over Real Madrid exit
Importantly, Mastantuono dismissed any suggestion that his departure from Real Madrid came following a breakdown in his relationship with the club.
Franco Mastantuono, Fiorentina player
Mastantuono is happy at Fiorentina. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Earlier in the summer, it had emerged that the Argentinian wanted to return to River Plate, which Los Blancos did not agree to.
However, even if that situation actually transpired, it looks like it was sorted out amicably.
“When I spoke with Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation,” he explained.
“I decided to leave the club. I had many options, and I thank everyone who showed interest,” he concluded.
Mastantuono’s departure puts a pause on a short and complicated chapter for a player who arrived with a lot of expectations.
The good thing for him is that he is only on loan at Fiorentina and could return to Madrid, where the book is still open.
The first chapter may have been difficult, but there is no necessity for the trend to continue through the rest of the chapters.
Mastantuono’s priority now is to have a good season at Fiorentina, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future in the Spanish capital in the coming seasons.