“Huge potential”: Euro giants make clear their stance on left-footed midfield maestro as United plot ambitious raid for 22-yo

A midfield signing is one Manchester United are expected to make in 2026.

United’s midfield is crying out for a dynamic addition, someone who can inject not just quality, but athleticism at the heart of the pitch.

While one such signing sufficed last summer, it will not be enough next year.

Casemiro is likely to leave as a free agent. His departure, coupled with the existing need, means INEOS must secure at least two top midfield signings in 2026.

This glaring gap should have United being linked with almost every top midfielder on the market.

Well, the other day, a report relayed by The Peoples Person suggested United could be back in for Eduardo Camavinga.

Frenchman adored at the Theatre of Dreams

The Red Devils have long admired the Frenchman, tracking him since his days at Rennes.

When he joined Real Madrid in 2021, it must have left United frustrated. But recently, hope resurfaced that they might finally land their man.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso appears to favour a midfield trio of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler.

With Jude Bellingham and Franco Mastantuono also seen as key options, speculation began to swirl that Camavinga might not feature in Alonso’s plans.

United were tipped to exploit these doubts over Camavinga’s future in Madrid and bring him on board.

While for some this was shaping up to be a transfer to watch, a telling revelation about Camavinga’s future has since emerged.

Telling response

As if spooked by the Camavinga exit rumours, Alonso addressed the midfielder’s role via Madrid’s official website:

“I’m excited because he hasn’t been with us for so long.

“I know him from having seen him play, but I’m looking forward to working with him. I think he has huge potential and lots of qualities.

“Within the collective project, there are individual projects, and he’s one of them.

“What he’s done so far is important, but he still has a long way to go. He’s eager and motivated. Individually, he has very different qualities.

“From the ‘6’ position, with his dribbling, he can get into the final third. He’s not static, he’s dynamic.”

Part of the plan

From those comments, it is clear Camavinga is firmly in Alonso’s plans.

His absence from the line-ups was not due to a selection preference, but rather the injury he has been nursing since last season.

There is no doubt Camavinga could be a dream addition to United’s engine room, but prising him away will be a challenge.

Swap deal

Reports suggest that Los Blancos are one of those clubs keen on Mainoo.

United could propose a Mainoo-Camavinga swap, rather than the rumoured Mainoo-Valverde deal.

But even if they do, Camavinga must also want the move. Whether the 22-year-old relishes a switch to Old Trafford remains a mystery.

Featured image Aitor Alcalde via Getty Images

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