Real Madrid have begun a rebuilding process under new head coach Xabi Alonso following an underwhelming campaign in which the team fell short of expectations under Carlo Ancelotti. As part of that overhaul, reports claim Los Blancos are eyeing a $105 million Champions League winner from Paris Saint-Germain to partner with Jude Bellingham next season.
Veterans like Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez have moved on, while promising young talents such as Dean Huijsen (20), Alvaro Carreras (22), and Franco Mastantuono (17) have joined the squad under Alonso’s philosophy of building with youth. With the club taking a long-term approach under the Spanish coach, attention is already turning toward a marquee signing for the future.
According to Marca, Real Madrid want to sign Vitinha next year to strengthen their midfield. With Modric gone and Aurelien Tchouameni the only natural option in the holding role, the Portuguese star could be the ideal partner for Bellingham in the center of the pitch.
Vitinha’s price, a hurdle for Real Madrid
Unlike in many other leagues, the LFP (French league) prohibits release clauses in professional player contracts. That means Real Madrid and PSG would have to negotiate directly for Vitinha, something that, after the tense Kylian Mbappe saga, may be a difficult conversation to have.
However, there are ways around that obstacle. This summer, Rayan Cherki joined Manchester City for €22.5 million after an agreement in his contract allowed Olympique Lyon to sell him, with the deal wrapped up in just a few days.
The Spanish outlet reports that Vitinha’s contract includes a similar provision, essentially a “pseudo” release clause, set at €90 million (around $105), applicable in the summer of 2026, just days after the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Vitinha has become one of the top midfielders in the world under PSG manager Luis Enrique, earning a Ballon d’Or nomination after his Champions League and Nations League campaign. With Real Madrid’s current midfield lacking a creative, versatile playmaker, the 2025-26 season under Alonso will either be the time for the squad to perfect its system or the stage for a blockbuster signing.