Real Madrid are likely to be making midfield signings in the summer and that might come under a new manager. There remains uncertainty over Alvaro Arbeloa's future despite the Spaniard's job title being described as 'caretaker manager'.
Xabi Alonso wanted to bring a new midfielder to the Estadio Bernabeu last summer but he failed to persuade the board to do so. He has now bid farewell after just seven months at the helm.
Madrid might have realized he was correct in his assessment of Los Blancos' midfield amid rumors of a new number six being targeted. One of those could be Vitinha who played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League win last season.
Is Vitinha likely to join Madrid?
Vitinha ticks all the boxes with his versatility, showing calm and composure in possession while proving to be an excellent creative spark in the PSG team. He's already contributed 10 assists in 27 games across competitions this season.
The 25-year-old has been at the Parc des Princes since the summer of 2022 and established himself as one of the world's best midfield talents. It seems extremely unlikely that Madrid would be able to convince PSG to part with the Portuguese maestro.
According to The Athletic, although there have been claims in Spain that Los Blancos are targeting the player it doesn't look possible. The Portugal international's camp thinks "it is impossible" for PSG to let him leave after last season.
Vitinha was a mainstay in Luis Enrique's side in their quadruple-winning team and as such finished third on last year's Ballon d'Or podium. He has three years on his contract so there's no pressure for the Parisians to entertain bids.
The former Wolves man might have to push for a move to make a deal happen and given the frosty relationship between Madrid and PSG negotiations would be a real problem. There are still negative relations following Kylian Mbappe's move to the Bernabeu back in July 2024.
Possible alternatives for Madrid
Madrid have already been linked with other options to bolster their midfield, including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. The English youngster is by no means the finished article, but he's put in some stellar showings in the Premier League that have a host of European giants keeping tabs.
Another possible midfield signing could be AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit who is showing maturity beyond his years with consistent performances in the Netherlands. He feels the likeliest summer signing of the three supposedly on the club's wishlist.
Madrid aren't conducting January transfer business and believe they have a squad capable of winning trophies. But questionable displays from Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have been a concern for Madridistas.