Liverpool make serious Camavinga move as Real Madrid talks begin
Liverpool are exploring one of the most high-profile midfielder moves of the 2026 winter window after making early contact for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga. Sources close to the situation claim Richard Hughes has sounded out the intermediaries as the Anfield club look to strengthen an area that feels stretched during a tough season.
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Arne Slott’s Premier League title-winning side remain competitive on multiple fronts, but the 2025-26 season highlights how vulnerable even the best teams can become when injuries and a congested schedule arise. Liverpool invested heavily in attack last summer, but now the balance of the team is concentrated in midfield, with minutes concentrated on a small core group of players.
The initial information comes from Daily Briefing, which reports that Liverpool have made “initial contacts” with Camavinga. The same report adds that any move would be “ambitious”, reflecting how important the France international is to Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid. Journalist Mark Brus further noted that the deal would require at least €80 million (approximately £69 million), with Liverpool’s interest described as “serious”.
Arne Slaughter’s priorities in midfield
Slaughter relied on Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenburch to control the tempo in the center of the field. Gravenberch has been particularly good as the defensive anchor, although even elite players can’t carry every minute of what feels like an unforgiving season right now.
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Supporters have been vocal about the need for another high-level defensive midfielder, not because of a lack of ability but because of the need for depth that can sustain Liverpool’s intensity. Camavinga fits the bill perfectly, combining ball control with progressive passing, attributes that fit perfectly with Slaughter’s possession-based structure.
Real Madrid’s stance on Camavinga
At Real Madrid, Camavinga remains the cornerstone of Arbeloa’s growing project. The former Rennes man’s value lies not only in his versatility but also in his ability to control the tempo and transitional phases, making any negotiations difficult.
Real Madrid is under no pressure to sell, which explains why the valuation is as high as 80 million euros. Even so, Liverpool’s financial position after winning the Premier League in 2024-25 puts them in a position to at least test the waters. People familiar with the negotiations insist there are no formal bids yet, but the groundwork is being laid.
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Shifting the background around the Liverpool goal
Adam Walton is widely expected to be Liverpool’s main midfield target. However, Palace are likely to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Mark Gay, meaning letting Walton go would tear the back of Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup-winning side. This makes a deal highly unlikely.
Against this backdrop, Liverpool focused more on alternatives, with Camavinga emerging as one of the best. His arrival will not diminish Glavenburch’s role, on the contrary, it will create real competition which Slaughter believes will raise the standard throughout the squad.
With the season still very balanced, Liverpool are in no rush. However, the seriousness of these early contacts suggests that Camavinga joining Liverpool is more than just a rumor. Real know they have a valuable asset, but Hughes and his recruitment team have previously shown they are prepared to push hard when the right player comes along.
If a £69m transfer fits Madrid’s stance, Anfield could prove to be one of the most decisive transfers of 2026.
