It’s no secret that the relationship between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain is frayed after La Liga’s powerful president Florentino Pérez used all and sometimes unnice methods to secure Kylian Mbappe for free. (Buy from Monaco, Salaries & Bonuses)
Now Real Madrid are at it again, but this time Paris Saint-Germain have learned and have secured themselves with long-term deals.
Real Madrid have named Portuguese midfielder Vítor Machado Ferreira as Luka Modrić’s successor at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Paris Saint-Germain won very convincingly Ligue 1 this season and are clear favourites to win the Champions League final on Saturday against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena.
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Real Madrid’s search for a worthy replacement for Luka Modrić has pointed towards Vitinha as one of the most suitable players on the European stage. A key player for Paris Saint-Germain, the Portuguese midfielder stands out for his ability to control the tempo of the game and create chances from deep – qualities that fit perfectly with the profile Real Madrid are looking for. But the road to a potential transfer is fraught with obstacles, and the biggest of them all is PSG’s attitude.
According to several sources in France, PSG are not willing to consider offers for Vitinha unless Rodrygo Goes or Vinícius Júnior are included in the deal – two players who are considered “untouchable” by Real Madrid’s board. The message from the Parc des Princes is clear: Without a big star included, there will be no negotiations.
Rodrygo Goes was actually “cleared out”, but has newly hired manager Xabi Alonso put his foot down.
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Real Madrid will not accept PSG’s demands
At the Santiago Bernabéu, they are fully aware of Vitinha’s talent and acknowledge that he would fit perfectly into the club’s future midfield. But under no circumstances are they considering letting go of two of their most important players to satisfy a club they have a strained relationship with, especially after the Mbappé transfer and the Super League conflict.
At the same time, Real Madrid is also exploring other options. The recall of Nico Paz, who is in a strong development phase, is being seriously considered, and the name Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart has also surfaced – but his situation could depend on Bayer Leverkusen’s role in the upcoming Club World Cup.
The Spanish club’s sporting management sticks to its philosophy: No one is bigger than the club. Although Vitinha is an ideal candidate, they will not force through a transition that involves an unnecessary sacrifice. In Madrid, they acquire talent – they don’t trade it away at any price.
This will be a tough negotiation battle between two of Europe’s most powerful clubs. PSG are showing that they are not willing to let go of Vitinha without a huge signing in return, while Real Madrid refuse to sacrifice their own star players.
Will there be a solution, or will Madrid have to look elsewhere? The answer will depend on who is willing to blink first.