Report: Liverpool make ‘initial contact’ over deal to sign world-class midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool make serious Camavinga move as Real Madrid talks begin

Liverpool are exploring one of the most eye catching midfield moves of the 2026 winter window after making early approaches for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga. Sources close to the situation say Richard Hughes has sounded out intermediaries as the Anfield club look to reinforce an area that has felt stretched across a demanding campaign.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions remain competitive on multiple fronts, yet the 2025-26 season has underlined how fragile even the best built squads can become when injuries and fixture congestion bite. Liverpool invested heavily in attack last summer, but the balance of the squad now points towards midfield, where minutes have been piled onto a small core of players.

The initial information comes from the Daily Briefing, who state that Liverpool have made “initial contacts” for Camavinga. The same report adds that any move would be “ambitious”, reflecting how integral the France international is to Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid side. Journalist Mark Brus goes further, outlining that a deal would require at least €80 million, or £69 million, with Liverpool’s interest described as “serious”.

Arne Slot priorities in midfield

Slot has relied on Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch to set the rhythm in the centre of the pitch. Gravenberch in particular has been outstanding as a defensive anchor, although even elite players cannot shoulder every minute in a season that now feels relentless.

Supporters have been vocal about the need for another high level defensive midfielder, not because of a lack of quality but because of the need for depth that can sustain Liverpool’s intensity. Camavinga fits that brief perfectly, combining ball winning with progressive passing, attributes that would dovetail neatly with Slot’s possession based structure.

Real Madrid stance on Camavinga

At Real Madrid, Camavinga remains a cornerstone of Arbeloa’s evolving project. The former Rennes player is valued not just for his versatility, but for his ability to control tempo and transition phases, something that makes any negotiation difficult.

Madrid are under no pressure to sell, which explains the lofty €80 million valuation. Even so, Liverpool’s financial position after winning the Premier League in 2024-25 gives them the capacity to at least test the waters. Those close to the talks insist there has been no formal bid yet, but groundwork is being laid.

Transfer context around Liverpool targets

Adam Wharton had been widely expected to be Liverpool’s primary midfield target. However, Crystal Palace’s likely sale of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi means letting Wharton go would rip out the spine of Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup winning side. That makes a deal highly unlikely.

This backdrop has sharpened Liverpool’s focus on alternatives, with Camavinga emerging as the standout. His arrival would not diminish Gravenberch’s role, rather it would create genuine competition, something Slot believes drives standards higher across the squad.

With the season still finely balanced, Liverpool are not rushing. Yet the seriousness of these early contacts suggests that Camavinga to Liverpool is more than a passing rumour. Real Madrid know they hold a prized asset, but Hughes and his recruitment team have shown before that they are prepared to push hard when the right player becomes available.

If a £69 million move can be aligned with Madrid’s stance, Anfield could be set for one of the defining transfers of 2026.