Lewis McParlane is joined by colleagues Thomas Wiseman and Clinton McDubus as they discuss the latest Didier Deschamps France squad announcement, look back on another mixed week of European action & ahead to the weekend’s Ligue 1 action.
Month: June 2024
Eduardo Camavinga: “When I was little, I watched a cassette tape of France 98.”
Speaking on official L’Équipe de France channels, 17-year-old Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga discussed his emotions after receiving his 1st call-up to the France U21s this week.
“This week began with me discovering that I was French (just handed citizenship), which was awesome. Then I had my birthday yesterday, then the national team today! I was not ready, I was in my room and after that I received a call from the coach saying that he was calling me up. I ran down, and as it was birthday my entire family was there, then I told them I had been called up and everyone was happy!… (Clairefontaine) has very high security! It is an honour, I am happy to be here. To be here, it’s fabulous… To wear the French shirt, it gives me crazy emotions. When I was little, I watched a cassette tape of France 98, I have always thought about wearing this shirt one day.”
Keylor Navas: “Today, PSG is my home.”
Speaking to RMC Sport after last night’s 2-2 draw between PSG and Real Madrid, Keylor Navas’ present and former clubs, the Costa Rican discussed the result.
“It was a tricky match, we play against great teams so we play difficult matches, but, thanks be to God, we were able to hold out. We did not have control of the match at all in the 1st half and we were more attacking in the 2nd half. In the end, we have a draw, which seems fair for both teams.”
“I thank the fans for their warm welcome, these are incredible moments. You always try to give the best you can, to defend the shirt that you wear. Today, PSG is my home and I am going to do all that I can. You try to help, I say that with humility, with the desire to have the help of my team-mates and the fans.”
Lille SD Luis Campos on Renato Sanches: “He had a lot of stress & anxiety with this transfer.”
Speaking to La Voix du Nord, Lille Sporting Director Luis Campos explained with Portuguese international central midfielder Renato Sanches did not immediately hit the ground running when he joined the Ligue 1 club this summer from Bayern Munich for a reported €20m.
“To improve, a player needs to respect three things that often move at different speeds: adaptation, maturity and opportunity. Renato received enormous support from everyone at this club. We repeated to him of the need to be patient because he has a 5-year contract with us. We need a high-performing Renato but on the condition that this lasts. He had a lot of stress and anxiety with this transfer and he has paid for that. Christophe (Galtier) has shown his skill in dealing with this situation and from the moment when the player is listening, it is easier. We are going to help him to adapt and to respect the three things I talked about. In my opinion, Renato is currently playing at 40% of his potential.”
Manchester City scouted Houssem Aouar & Eduardo Camavinga last weekend
Freelance journalist Ignazio Genuardi reports that Manchester City had a scout present at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday afternoon to check in on the progress of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, as OL laboured to a 1-0 loss to visitors Rennes.
Aouar remains a player that Pep Guardiola is enamoured with. It was also a chance for the Citizens to take a look at 17-year-old Eduardo Camavinga in person for the first time. The teenager scored the last-minute winner and impressed onlookers with his maturity and ability to dominate the midfield battle.
Nice want Brest midfielder Ibrahima Diallo
L’Équipe report that OGC Nice want 20-year-old Brest midfielder Ibrahima Diallo to bolster their ranks.
However, the Frenchman, who has also been the subject of an offer from Premier League side Leicester City, wishes to remain with SB29 until at least the end of the season. Sevilla have also made an approach for Diallo.
Nice in the meantime will look to offload Rémi Walter, whose current deal expires at the end of this season.
Fenerbahce are weighing up a move for Racine Coly (OGC Nice)
Freelance journalist Ignazio Genuardi reports that Turkish giants Fenerbahce have earmarked Ligue 1 side OGC Nice’s left-back Racine Coly as a possible January target.
Fener are looking for a left-back, and have also been surveilling the Italian and Greek markets to identify a number of targets before deciding upon which one to move for.
If they were to pounce for Coly, they would be looking for an initial loan deal.