Real Madrid’s attempt to bring Vitinha to the Santiago Bernabéu has come to an abrupt halt after the midfielder made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The Portuguese international has developed into one of the most respected players in his position and has been viewed as an ideal candidate to strengthen Madrid’s midfield.
Real Madrid’s attempt to bring Vitinha to the Santiago Bernabéu has come to an abrupt halt after the midfielder made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The Portuguese international has developed into one of the most respected players in his position and has been viewed as an ideal candidate to strengthen Madrid’s midfield.
His standing in world football was highlighted by his finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote. Vitinha placed third overall, becoming the highest-ranked midfielder and the only player in his role to reach the top ten that year.
Those achievements made him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who have been searching for elite talent in the center of the pitch. However, the player’s own stance has effectively ended any possibility of negotiations.
Speaking to Portugal’s Canal 11, the 26-year-old explained that leaving Paris would make little sense given his current situation. Vitinha stressed that he feels comfortable at PSG and values the appreciation he receives from people at the club.
The midfielder also highlighted the environment around him, describing the squad as a strong group and praising the work of the coaching staff. According to him, both his professional life and family life in Paris contribute to his satisfaction.
Vitinha emphasized that he enjoys being part of the club and that the feeling is shared by his family. Because of that, a transfer away from PSG is not something he is considering.
Vitinha also addressed the possibility of moving outside Europe, particularly to Saudi Arabia, where several Portuguese internationals currently play. Cristiano Ronaldo, Rúben Neves, and João Félix are among the players competing in that league.
Despite the financial incentives that could be available, the PSG midfielder indicated that stability is more important to him than a dramatic increase in salary. He noted that he already earns a strong wage while playing for a major European club.
According to Vitinha, doubling or even tripling his earnings would not necessarily bring greater happiness. His preference is to continue building a consistent career at the highest level in Europe.
Real Madrid’s interest in Vitinha was largely driven by the need to refresh their midfield following the departures of two longtime stars. Toni Kroos left the club in 2024, and Luka Modrić followed in the summer of 2025.
Replacing players of that caliber has proven difficult, and Madrid has yet to find direct successors for the experienced duo. Vitinha’s quality made him an appealing solution to that problem.
Even without the player’s refusal, completing such a transfer would have been challenging. The Portuguese midfielder remains tied to PSG with a contract running until 2029, meaning any deal would likely have required a substantial fee.
With Vitinha no longer a viable option, other names have appeared in connection with Real Madrid. One of them is Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who will soon enter the final two years of his contract with the English club.
The Argentine has experienced a decline in form during a difficult season for Liverpool. Carlo Ancelotti had previously identified him as a player of interest, and earlier reports suggested Mac Allister would have been open to a move to Madrid, though no formal pursuit followed.
Another Liverpool player mentioned in rumors is Dominik Szoboszlai. However, his representative recently suggested that leaving the Premier League side is not currently under consideration.
Younger midfielders could also enter Madrid’s plans. VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller is considered a promising option whose value could rise significantly if he performs well for Germany at the 2026 World Cup.
Netherlands international Kees Smit is viewed in a similar category, with the potential for his transfer price to increase depending on future performances. Acting before such tournaments could therefore be advantageous if Madrid decides to pursue emerging talents.
A more established candidate is Rodri, whose contract with Manchester City expires next year. A move would represent a return to the city where he grew up, and the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner could choose to seek a new challenge before the latter stages of his career.
Meanwhile, Nico Paz is expected to return to Real Madrid from Como this summer through an affordable buy-back clause. The Argentine operates as a more advanced creator, and the club must decide whether to keep him in the squad or capitalize on his market value with a profitable sale.
