Al-Ittihad Targets Eduardo Camavinga as N’Golo Kante Replacement

omidbasir- The Saudi Pro League’s transfer market is poised for a thrilling summer, with Al-Ittihad at the forefront of the action. The Jeddah-based club faces a significant gap in their midfield following N’Golo Kante’s departure. The experienced French midfielder, who was a marquee signing for the league, opted to leave prematurely for Fenerbahce in Turkey after an initial deal fell through.

Kante’s exit leaves Al-Ittihad searching for a new leader in midfield, and the club’s management is rapidly working to identify a suitable replacement. Reports indicate that they are focusing on a player who not only shares Kante’s nationality but is also regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders globally: Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid.

Al-Ittihad is determined to bring in a high-profile name to reassure fans of their unwavering ambition. Replacing a World Cup winner with one of Europe’s most exciting talents would undoubtedly send a strong message to rivals such as Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

While acquiring a player of Camavinga’s caliber from Madrid appears daunting, Al-Ittihad believes they can leverage certain factors. Since joining from Rennes in 2021, Camavinga has won every major club trophy, including the Champions League and La Liga. However, his role within the squad remains contentious.

At just 23 years old, Camavinga frequently finds himself rotated in and out of the starting lineup, a situation that has persisted under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and now Alvaro Arbeloa. With Arbeloa having assumed control only recently, the hierarchy at Madrid is still undergoing transition. The fierce competition for positions in the midfield, featuring Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham, means Camavinga is not always guaranteed a starting spot, having started only nine La Liga games and three Champions League fixtures this season.

Additionally, his versatility has sometimes proved to be a hindrance, as he has frequently been deployed as an emergency left-back instead of in his preferred central midfield role. Al-Ittihad hopes that the prospect of being the undisputed star of the team, playing in his favored position consistently, could entice him.

To facilitate this potential transfer, Al-Ittihad is reportedly prepared to make a substantial offer that could challenge Madrid’s resolve. While Camavinga is valued at no less than €60 million, the Saudi club is equipped to pay a transfer fee that would catch the attention of president Florentino Perez.

More importantly, they are willing to present Camavinga with a salary that would significantly surpass his current earnings in Spain. This strategy mirrors their successful approach in recruiting Gabri Veiga to Al-Ahli in 2023, focusing on younger, elite talent rather than solely targeting veterans seeking a final payday.

Real Madrid, for their part, are safeguarded by a contract that extends until 2029 and a release clause set at €1 billion. However, historical precedent shows that if a player expresses a genuine desire to leave and the offer is enticing, the club has a policy of not keeping dissatisfied players against their will.

Nonetheless, the potential exit of Camavinga would present a significant challenge for the team at the Bernabeu. The club has invested years in building a midfield designed to dominate for a decade, transitioning away from the legendary trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric. Camavinga plays a crucial role in that succession plan.

Nevertheless, reports suggest that Al-Ittihad is earnest and persistent. If Camavinga feels his development is stagnating due to limited playing time or becomes frustrated with his defensive assignments, the summer transfer window may become a crucial test of Madrid’s resolve.

For the moment, Camavinga remains a Madrid player; however, with Kante’s departure and Al-Ittihad possessing a virtually limitless budget and a pressing need, speculation regarding the Frenchman’s future is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.