Published 11:27 IST, November 12th 2019
Barcelona, Manchester United to battle for 17-year-old Rennes winger
Barcelona and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Rennes' 17-year-old midfielder Eduardo Camavinga after a string of impressive performances.
According to recent reports in the British media, European rivals FC Barcelona and Manchester United are looking to sign Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga in the January 2020 winter transfer window. The 17-year-old player has been key to Rennes’ midfield, occupying a starting spot in the team. He has started in all of the 13 Ligue 1 matches for his team so far this season.
Atletico Madrid are also interested
Other clubs interested in the player include Barcelona's LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid. It is also claimed that the bid for Camavinga will be approximately 26 million pounds if Rennes are willing to let off the midfielder. Camavinga has largely been deployed as a defensive midfielder during his stint in Rennes so far. His technical and physical attributes have earned him comparisons with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba. The player is bound by a contract which runs till 2022.
An Angolan International by birth, the player has recently acquired French citizenship. During Rennes’ win over Paris Saint-Germain in August 2019, he became the youngest player to register an assist in league history. He was also the youngest to debut for Rennes at the age of 16. He claimed the prestigious record of being the first player to be born after January 1, 2002 and start a game in Europe's top five leagues when he played against Monaco in May 2019.
United scouts were spotted during Rennes' Europa League defeat to FC Cluj last week with Camavinga being their prime focus. United are in dire need for midfield reinforcements amid uncertainty surrounding Pogba's uncertain future along with the recent departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera without proper replacements. The club is having a dismal season, without a place in the top four of the league table. On the other hand, Barcelona would be looking to strengthen their bench and Camavinga could possibly act as Sergio Busquets' back-up at the Camp Nou.
Updated 13:28 IST, November 12th 2019