Eduoard Camavinga could have opted to cash in on the progress he had last season but chose to remain with Stade Rennais FC. And the reason behind it appears to be simple – the 17-year-old knows that there are still a lot of things he can improve on.
The attention given to Camavinga is understandable. He had 36 appearances for Rennes last season and showed plenty of promise. Though he scored only one goal and issued three assists in three Ligue 1 games, it was enough to capture the attention of several clubs. One of those teams is Real Madrid, a club that has been heavily linked to the French player.
Camavinga did not hide the fact that he was flattered with the interest of Real. But realizing that he can further hone his game, staying on with Rennes for the coming season is the path he chose to take. Though his stint seems safe for now, it could be a different story once more next season.
Rennes wonderkid Camavinga doesn't regret turning down Real Madrid:
"I took this choice with my family [to stay at Rennes]. Today we are happy to have made this decision. I just need to focus on football and not think too much about everything else around it."
pic.twitter.com/cOYugM4O9A — Goal (@goal) September 14, 2020
"Certainly when a big club is interested, it is nice. But I am not getting carried away,” Camavinga said to Telefoot via Goal. "I took this choice with my family [to stay at Rennes]. Today we are happy to have made this decision. I just need to focus on football and not think too much about everything else around it.”
Camavinga is under contract with Rennes until 2022 and SRFC is bent on keeping him. Interest may have been fended off now but all this could be rekindled next summer. It remains to be seen if Rennes can continue to fend off interest though there is one thing that is likely to change – Camavinga’s level of play.
For the 17-year-old, playing with older players and keeping pace with them is something that has helped in making him stand out. Though they continue to hold off on suitors, it is a fact that Camavinga will continue to gain suitors. It would not be surprising if the list of interested clubs grows even more after the coming season.
“Cama put in a great goal. He knows how to make the difference individually. He brings in defensively and offensively, he is complete," midfielder Steven Nzonzi said of Camavinga.
Combining the maturity and his skill set, Camavinga is bound for bigger things. But right now, all he wants is to play for Rennes and see how things pan out.
"I have no idea where this confidence comes from, I have often played with older players, and it surely allowed me to have a greater maturity to play with them,” Camavinga said to TF1.
