Rennes Midfielder Urged By Former Chelsea Defender To Join Real Madrid

Rennes rising talent Eduardo Camavinga is advised to consider the opportunity to sign with Real Madrid. The 17-year-old midfielder could make the giant step of playing for the established La Liga club as he was urged by ex-professional footballer Mario Melchiot, who says the youngster should seize the chance if Camvinga feels ready.

Melchiot, who also used to play for Rennes, is just hoping Camavinga would avert making the same mistake he had when he turned down the chance to play for Madrid as a relatively naive young pro at the time.

"When I left Ajax, people said to me it was too early and that I should stay in Holland," Melchiot told Goal.

The 43-year-old former Dutch defender had played his first three years as a senior under the Amsterdam-based club before opting to suit up for Chelsea, which he chose over Madrid. But while he endorses the Spanish capital to be Camavinga’s next destination, Melchiot advised the wunderkind to follow his own convictions for his future moves.

"Let me tell you something, as a player just do what’s right for you and not listen to what people tell you,” the ex-right back added. “If you feel like it isn’t the right move, then stay where you are. I think you should always consider your development. The team you go to should make you better and you should make the team better.

"If those two things don’t add up, then don’t go. That’s the only answer I have for him.”

A number of reports claim Madrid is strongly considering signing Camavinga this summer. But as he learned about it, the Angola-born footballer brushed off the talks, saying he is “not too interested in that.” Furthermore, Rennes president Nicolas Holveck has also stressed that he plans to keep the youngster at Roazhon Park for another season.

“For Eduardo Camavinga, the project is to continue to progress at Stade Rennais," he told RTL on Saturday, via Goal. "The next season should be that of the consecration in Rennes for him. Very sincerely, yes, the project next season will be with Eduardo."

It was a rough year, to say the least for Camavinga. Appearing in 36 matches across all competitions for Rennes this season, he managed to score just a single goal. But despite the forgettable showing, he is still expected to continue drawing Madrid's attention that would perhaps land him at Santiago Bernabéu in the near future.