KEY POINTS

  • Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga was tipped by his agent Jonathan Barnett to become the "best midfielder in the world"
  • Barnett acknowledges the possibility of Camavinga going to Barcelona despite his link-up with Real Madrid
  • The agent thinks Madrid may not be able to afford his client, suggesting an opportunity for other big-name clubs

Barcelona was handed a major boost over Real Madrid in their reported pursuit of Rennes’ Eduardo Camavinga.

After three seasons at Ligue 1, Camavinga has now become one of the most sought-after midfielders of his generation. For his agent Jonathan Barnett, Camavinga is even on his way to becoming the “best in the world.”

The 18-year-old has long been on Real Madrid’s radar. However, Barnett’s recent comments suggest that his star client could possibly wind up joining Los Blancos’ Spanish rivals, Barcelona.

"Let’s see what happens later on, but he’s doing well in Rennes and that’s fine,” Barnett exclusively told Goal. “Being the best midfielder in the world, that’s how I see his future, [with] a lot of medals and a lot of trophies."

"[Real Madrid is] a great club, a great club to play for," he added. "Eduardo [Camavinga] will have a choice of a lot of clubs if Rennes decides to release him. They will be one of the four of five clubs in the world he might go to. Eduardo would love to play for a top club. [Real] Madrid are one of those top clubs in the world, so are Barcelona."

When asked if rumors claiming Camavinga could cost more than €50 million ($60 million), the agent said, “I would think so.”

Ronald Koeman will take charge of his first competitive Barcelona game on Sunday when they play Villarreal in La Liga.
FC Barcelona's head coach Ronald Koeman AFP / Josep LAGO

In a separate interview with Spanish outlet Marca, Barnett further weighed in on the chances of Real Madrid becoming Camavinga’s future destination.

According to the agent, if Rennes releases Camavinga, it is unlikely that the reigning La Liga champions will be able to afford his transfer. Hence, “many clubs” will have an opportunity, and the player will have several options in the process.

“Real Madrid are going through very tough times now, maybe the Spanish teams cannot afford him,” the agent predicted. “So unfortunately we have to wait and see what happens. From my perspective, Real Madrid is a great club, a great club to play for. Eduardo will be able to choose between many teams if Rennes decides to let him leave.”

“It is not just a matter of one club, there are many clubs,” he added. “We have to sit down and talk to Rennes and other clubs. It is a decision for Rennes because there is a contract involved.”

This season, Camavinga has only recorded one goal and one assist for Rennes. However, he is still viewed as a player who has a lot of potential.

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