Manchester United’s summer midfield rebuild has hit a significant stumbling block. The Reds entered the transfer window with grand plans to overhaul their midfield engine room. Two new faces have already been banked in the form of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. A third, more defensive-minded midfielder, is still pending. But one high-profile target has now officially closed the door on a move to Old Trafford.
Eduardo Camavinga has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer. Manchester United were among the many clubs monitoring his situation. The French midfielder had a difficult season to endure, with several injuries keeping him out of 11 matches.
Last season in LaLiga, he played 29 games but started only 16, scoring just once and providing no assists. That injury-prone campaign also cost him a spot at the 2026 World Cup, with Didier Deschamps leaving him out of the 26-man France squad.
Romano reveals Camavinga’s firm stance
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now provided a definitive update. The Italian journalist explained the situation on his YouTube channel.
“Many questions I’ve received in recent days were about Eduardo Camavinga, whether there’s still a possibility for Man Utd or for other clubs,” Romano said. “Guys, Man Utd called the agents of Camavinga in July. United wanted to be informed.”
But the answer has been the same every time. “The answer Camavinga is giving to all the clubs, United and those interested before United has always been the same – Camavinga wants to stay at Real Madrid,” Romano added. “He wants to continue at Real Madrid and is not changing his mind. And so as of today there are no changes and he insists on staying at Real Madrid.”
Rodri twist only strengthens his resolve
Manchester United had hoped the situation might shift. Real Madrid were heavily linked with a move for Rodri, which could have pushed Camavinga further down the pecking order. But according to Romano, Real Madrid have altered their plans after Rodri favoured a move to Barcelona. Real Madrid then pulled out of the running to sign Rodri completely. The Spaniard is now tilted towards a move to Barcelona.
That development has only made Camavinga more determined to stay. “And now with Rodri NOT joining Real Madrid, Camavinga is even more motivated to stay and continue trying to convince Jose Mourinho,” Romano said. The Frenchman is eager to stay in Madrid, even though he now faces even tougher competition with the arrival of Bernardo Silva and the presence of Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham, and Güler.
Manchester United will now have to look elsewhere for that third midfielder. Names like Manu Kone, Carlos Baleba, and Sander Berge have all been linked. But one thing is clear, Camavinga won’t be joining them.
