Barcelona were unable to sign Real Madrid midfielder in 2020 due to economic problems

A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered insights on Barcelona’s plans to sign Eduardo Camavinga prior to his move to Real Madrid in 2021.

The Catalans had been monitoring the progress of the young midfielder ever since his breakthrough at Rennes. They were in the market for a young, physical holding midfielder to emerge as a long-term replacement for the long-serving Sergio Busquets.

Camavinga had fit the bill perfectly, having shown exceptional strength, maturity and positional awareness at a young age.

Barcelona even had the opportunity of snapping him up in 2020, but the club’s difficult economic situation coupled with an untimely presidential election made it almost impossible for the Blaugrana to make a move.

Rennes were able to keep hold of Camavinga in 2020 by going tough on the suitors. It served as a ray of hope for Barça, but when it seemed like the midfielder was going to remain another year in France, Real Madrid made the move, in 2021.

The Spanish giants opted to pay €31 million to Rennes last summer, with an additional €9 million in add-ons. It was enough to seal the deal as the youngster moved to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid’s punt worked brilliantly as Camavinga is starting to live up to the expectations following a slow start to his career in the Spanish capital.

The Frenchman has featured in 36 matches in all competitions this term, with many expecting him to become the face of the future Real Madrid midfield, alongside Federico Valverde.

In fact, the report from Diario Sport comes just a day after Camavinga’s cameo against Manchester City that helped Real Madrid make an extraordinary comeback and seal a ticket to the final of the UEFA Champions League.