The last week of the summer transfer window at Real Madrid ended with little activity beyond the signing of Sergio Martinez and the departures of several more academy players, including David Jimenez and Manuel Angel.
Jose Mourinho had considered his squad complete for some time, and the club ultimately backed his decision.
There was, however, considerable speculation surrounding several players, particularly Eduardo Camavinga , whose performances have declined significantly over the past two years.
Now, it has emerged that the French midfielder could have left the Spanish capital club following a late approach from Galatasaray.
Italian journalist Michael Pavese of TuttoMercato (h/t Defensa Central ) claims that Galatasaray offered Real Madrid €35 million for Camavinga.
The proposal was immediately rejected by the club, who considered the figure insufficient for a 23-year-old midfielder contracted until 2029.
Galatasaray made a move for Camavinga. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
It must be noted that Premier League clubs had indicated earlier in the summer that they could be prepared to pay around €50-60 million for Camavinga.
Real Madrid, for their part, were open to offers, but only in the region of €70 million or more .
Galatasaray's offer, in that regard, was half of what Los Blancos were looking for, leading to an immediate rejection from the club.
Real Madrid had doubts about Camavinga's recent form, but the lack of a sufficiently attractive offer, combined with the player's desire to remain at Valdebebas, ultimately led the club to keep him.
The Merengues continue to rate the midfielder highly, particularly given how young he was when he joined and the progress he initially made.
His recent decline has been a concern, but the club opted to respect his decision and support him through his lean patch .
Determined to turn things around. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Camavinga, for his part, has remained determined to stay in Spain despite the uncertainty surrounding his position in the squad. The midfielder has also made it clear that he is excited about working with Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach, for his part, has shown confidence in Camavinga despite not guaranteeing him regular minutes this season.
Mourinho handed Camavinga his first start of the campaign against Malaga and the player responded with an encouraging performance.
"Today a player who isn't very loved played a great game, and that's Camavinga," the manager said after the game.
For now, the Galatasaray approach has come and gone, while Camavinga remains at Real Madrid with Mourinho determined to help him rediscover his best form.
