Liverpool are reportedly ready to test Real Madrid’s resolve with a blockbuster move for Eduardo Camavinga, but the deal hinges on one massive condition.
Richard Hughes has identified the French maestro as the “final piece” of Arne Slot’s midfield evolution, with the Reds prepared to launch an audacious £70m bid provided they secure Champions League football.
With Camavinga recently hinting at his desire for more regular minutes in his favorite No. 6 role, Anfield could be set for its most significant “statement signing” since Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds are trailing Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for fourth and fifth positions in the Premier League after 26 matches.
The Merseysiders are guaranteed qualification into Europe’s top competition with a top-five finish. Reportedly, they have big ambitions if they can pull that off.
Reds keen on Champions League winner
Slot is reportedly keen to bolster his midfield ranks in the summer, with Wataru Endo and potentially Curtis Jones likely to move on.
Sporting Director Richard Hughes has lined up Camavinga as one of the more high-aiming options for the engine room. Realistically, the club will need Champions League football to persuade the two-time winner.
He has grown into a world-class player since moving to the Bernabeu from Rennes in 2021. After five years with the Spanish giants, the 23-year-old could be looking for a new challenge.
Under Xabi Alonso, the Frenchman wasn’t a regular starter in the middle of the park, but he has wrestled a starting place back since Alonso left.
Eduardo Camavinga’s Real Madrid statistics (2025/26):
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
| La Liga | 18 | 1 | 0 | 988 |
| Champions League | 7 | 1 | 1 | 345 |
| Supercopa de España | 2 | 0 | 0 | 170 |
| Copa del Rey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| Total | 28 | 2 | 1 | 1,528 |
He’s played 28 matches in all competitions this term, but has suffered from his own versatility. While he’s best suited to playing as a No.6 or box-to-box midfielder, Camavinga has been asked to do shifts out wide and at left-back.
Admittedly, Ryan Gravenberch has done an admirable job as the deepest midfielder under Slot, but the Dutchman doesn’t control a game. He’s better suited to breaking forward with his speed and running power.
Someone who dictates the tempo of a match could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Camavinga can do just that with his wand of a left foot and incredible composure.
Camavinga opens door with eye-opening comment
Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League match at Benfica this week, the midfielder made an interesting comment. He appeared to open the door to a transfer to a club where he’d play more regularly in his natural position.
Asked about his preferred role in the team, he said: “I like to play as ‘6’. It’s my favourite position. What I lack is regularity.”
Should Liverpool come to the table with an offer of weekly football, there’s every chance Camavinga would consider the move.
Potential swap deal for Alexis Mac Allister
The man Camavinga could replace in the Reds’ squad is Argentine playmaker Alexis Mac Allister. The 28-year-old is the closest match Liverpool currently have to the Real Madrid man.
The World Cup winner’s future is uncertain as things stand. Manchester United and Real Madrid are potential suitors.
Alexis Mac Allister’s Liverpool statistics (2025/26):
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
| Premier League | 25 | 0 | 2 | 1,735 |
| Champions League | 8 | 3 | 0 | 511 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 2 | 178 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 67 |
| Community Shield | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| Total | 37 | 3 | 4 | 2,510 |
His father has previously hinted that the ex-Brighton star could make the switch to La Liga. Meanwhile, the player himself has said he wants to experience Spanish football at some point in his career.
Responding to links with Real Madrid in late 2025, Mac Allister’s dad said: “I have to be prudent. He plays for Liverpool now. In the future, if the opportunity arises and it’s appropriate, he’ll have to make his own decisions.”
Could a scenario see Camavinga and Mac Allister swap places and all parties go home happy? Stranger things have happened in football.
