Al-Ittihad have targeted Eduardo Camavinga as a replacement for N'Golo Kante, following the midfielder's move to Fenerbahce.
The Saudi Arabian team wants Camavinga.
According to Spanish media, the Saudi Arabian club is ready to spend at least 60 million euros to persuade Real Madrid to release the player. They are also preparing a salary offer that far exceeds the French international's current earnings.
Kante's departure from Jeddah to Turkey created a significant void in Al-Ittihad's midfield. The club's management wanted to quickly fill this position with a top-class star. Camavinga was considered the number one target. At 23, he had already won the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid. However, his role at the Bernabeu was not yet truly stable.
From the eras of Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, to Alvaro Arbeloa, Camavinga has frequently been rotated. This season, he has only started 9 La Liga matches and 3 Champions League games. Competition from Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham means his starting place is not guaranteed. Furthermore, he has often been forced to play in his preferred position of left-back.
Al-Ittihad believes that the promise of regular starting place in central midfield can convince Camavinga. Their strategy is to recruit young stars instead of just looking for veterans. Previously, Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League surprised many by signing Gabri Veiga.
Real Madrid still holds the advantage because Camavinga's contract runs until 2029, with a €1 billion release clause. However, if the player wants to leave and makes a sufficiently attractive offer, the Spanish club may consider it.
With Al-Ittihad's generous budget, the Camavinga deal promises to have many unexpected developments ahead.