Camavinga never wanted to leave. Mourinho has restored his place at Real Madrid

In the space of one morning, Eduardo Camavinga managed to become both a player Real Madrid could sell and one who had never planned to leave. Deadline day can make almost any two versions of events fit together. According to Sergio Rodríguez of Marca, however, the Frenchman’s position remained unchanged throughout the summer: he wanted to stay in Madrid.

THE FRENCHMAN WAS NOT LOOKING FOR AN EXIT

Camavinga is beginning his sixth season at Real Madrid. His contract runs until 30 June 2029, so he was under no pressure caused by an expiring deal. The doubts instead concerned his place in the team after a very poor campaign.

The midfielder had been inconsistent, lost his previous status and was increasingly mentioned among the players whose sale could generate a substantial fee. Camavinga himself had no intention of looking for a new employer. He did not push for a transfer, negotiate an exit or change his mind when Premier League clubs reportedly showed interest.

Madrid may have considered selling him. The player apparently never considered packing his bags.

MOURINHO GAVE HIM A CLEAN SLATE

José Mourinho’s appointment played an important part. From the beginning of pre-season, the Portuguese coach made it clear that he still had a place for Camavinga in his squad. The Frenchman started three of the four friendly matches, beginning only the final one on the bench.

It also helped that Didier Deschamps left him out of the World Cup squad. France finished fourth, while Camavinga was able to return to Valdebebas early and complete the entire pre-season under his new coach. Instead of the World Cup, he received several additional weeks of running in Madrid. Not the most glamorous consolation prize, perhaps, but probably more useful for his club future.

His opening performances were still far from perfect. Camavinga could combine good passages with simple mistakes during the same match. He did not remove every doubt, but he began to regain Mourinho’s confidence.

MÁLAGA CHANGED THE NARRATIVE

The league match against Málaga proved to be the turning point. Madrid won 4–0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, while Camavinga produced one of his best performances for some time. He made few mistakes, recovered possession effectively and helped progress the ball.

The Frenchman finally looked like a player who knew what he wanted to do before the ball reached his feet. In his case, simply reducing the chaos can change a great deal.

Mourinho publicly backed the midfielder after the match.

“Today, a boy who is also not very popular played a fantastic match – Camavinga. I am very happy with the response he gave,” the Portuguese coach said.

The comment carried more weight than a routine compliment following a comfortable victory. Mourinho showed Camavinga that he still counted on him at precisely the moment the media were opening the exit door again.

Real Madrid’s official match report from the 4–0 victory over Málaga confirms goals from Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler, as well as an own goal by Alfonso Herrero.

€70 MILLION OR THERE IS NOTHING TO DISCUSS

Earlier reports indicated that Madrid had not completely ruled out listening to an exceptional offer for the midfielder. AS reported that negotiations could have begun at no less than €70 million.

No such proposal arrived. Even if it had, any transfer would still have required Camavinga’s approval, and according to Marca, that approval was never available.

This does not mean Madrid officially declared the Frenchman untouchable. The club were prepared to at least consider an enormous offer. Nobody produced the required amount, however, and the midfielder showed no interest in leaving. In practice, the matter was closed before it reached the stage of serious negotiations.

THERE IS STILL ROOM FOR HIM IN MIDFIELD

Madrid did not increase the number of central midfielders in the squad this summer. Bernardo Silva replaced Dani Ceballos but did not create additional congestion. Camavinga still gives Mourinho a combination that no other player offers to the same degree: dynamism, ball-winning, carrying and the ability to cover several positions.

One strong performance will not automatically restore his place in the starting XI. The Frenchman must become more consistent and reduce the mistakes that pushed him further away from a key role last season. He has, however, received a clear signal that he can win his place back on the pitch.

Madrid were prepared to answer the phone. Camavinga was not prepared to pack his bags. After the Málaga match, Mourinho does not look particularly interested in driving him to the airport either.

Sources: Marca – Sergio Rodríguez; AS; Real Madrid.