Rennes' French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga reacts during a training before the French L1 football match between Nimes and Rennes at the Costieres stadium in Nimes, southern France, on September 13, 2020. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are looking at Eduardo Camavinga as a replacement for Paul Pogba in case the Frenchman leaves next summer. The midfielder recently dropped a hint that he would like to play for Real Madrid someday.
Eduardo Camavinga is a 17-year-old French midfielder who plays for Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais. He started his youth career at Drapeau-Fougeres in 2008 and moved to Rennes’ youth setup in 2013.
Signing his first professional contract in 2018, he became the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract with the club. He made his debut for the first-team in April 2019 against Angers and scored his first goal for the club against Lyon in December 2019.
So far, Camavinga has made 49 appearances for Rennais, scoring twice and assisting thrice in the process (source – Transfermarkt). The midfielder recently made his debut for France and also scored his first goal. He has broken multiple records due to his young age. Usually deployed in central midfield, he can also be used as a defensive midfielder.
Paul Pogba’s future has always been a sticking point for Manchester United in recent seasons. The midfielder has often made statements about moving to other teams or that he harbours dreams of playing for the likes of Real Madrid (source – Sky Sports).
Time and again, this has put the club in a spot as Pogba is one of their biggest players. However, the club needs to start looking past Pogba. It has been more than four years since he returned to United in a world-record transfer. Yet, everyone is still waiting for Pogba to show the form he showed at Juventus.
Eduardo Camavinga is an option that Manchester United should look at. The youngster is as close as it comes when replicating Pogba’s style. Pogba himself said that Camavinga reminds him of himself (source – beIN Sports).
With Camavinga’s stock rising by the day, teams will soon start to enquire about him. United will do well to lay the groundwork for a deal next summer. Whether or not Pogba stays, the club should look to sign Camavinga anyway.
He looks like the perfect replacement for Pogba and at just 17 he can be a fantastic long-term addition to Manchester United’s midfield.
