Mansion Sports – Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has reportedly emerged as a priority target for Real Madrid as Los Blancos plan to recruit a new central midfielder ahead of next season.

The 25-year-old has developed into one of the best midfielders in the world during his time with the French capital club.

Vitinha is now believed to sit at the top of Real Madrid’s shortlist as part of the club’s long-term planning, which also includes young talents such as Endrick and Nico Paz.

Real Madrid Target a Major Transfer for Vitinha

According to reports from Spanish outlet AS, Vitinha has been described as the “main reference” on Real Madrid’s list of midfield targets to strengthen the center of the pitch in the summer transfer window.

The Portugal international finished third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting after playing a crucial role in PSG’s historic triumph in winning their first-ever Champions League title.

Vitinha’s links with Real Madrid are not new, as the La Liga giants have continued their pursuit of the next Galactico to lead a new era under the guidance of Alvaro Arbeloa.

Vitinha is reportedly established as the primary midfield target, while 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit occupies the next position on the list.

In addition, Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring two central defenders as part of their recruitment plans.

Vitinha is considered to be at the peak of his performance and possesses qualities capable of strengthening any team in the world at present.

This fact is believed to be fully recognized by Real Madrid as they shape their transfer strategy.

Nico Paz and Endrick Could Play Roles in Real Madrid’s Rebuilding Project

Real Madrid’s early thinking ahead of the summer also includes the potential arrival of several players, including the return of two former Los Blancos youth talents.

Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz is expected to return to the Santiago Bernabeu through a previously agreed €9 million buy-back clause.

The 21-year-old has impressed since joining the club coached by Cesc Fabregas in 2024 and has even broken into the Argentina senior national team, earning six international caps.

Meanwhile, Endrick, who is still only 19 years old, has scored five goals in five matches during his loan spell with Lyon.

AS reports indicate that the Brazilian’s return to Madrid is highly likely.

Real Madrid’s management are said to believe that mistakes were previously made in managing Endrick’s career, as he was given limited opportunities in Madrid.

However, during his loan period, he has met and even exceeded the club’s expectations.

Endrick left Real Madrid for Ligue 1 last January, with the club fully confident that the move would deliver positive results for the player’s development.

Luis Enrique Praises Vitinha as an Outstanding Player

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has publicly expressed his appreciation for Vitinha, who continues to show significant development both at club level and within the global football landscape.

In a statement last October, following PSG’s 7-2 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen, Luis Enrique emphasized that Vitinha is a player capable of controlling the flow of a match through ball possession.

He described those moments as the most important aspects of his team’s play. According to him, Vitinha always understands what the team needs, possesses balanced attacking and defensive qualities, and demonstrates strong character on the pitch.

Luis Enrique also highlighted Vitinha’s versatility, noting his ability to play in multiple positions.

He acknowledged that he had faced criticism when deploying Vitinha as a defensive midfielder or deep-lying pivot, but insisted that the player has the quality to adapt wherever he is needed.

He added that this success is inseparable from PSG’s collective mentality and playing identity, both at home and away.

The Spanish coach even openly stated his hope that Vitinha could win the next Ballon d’Or, while reaffirming that the midfielder’s performances are consistently at an exceptional level.

Will Real Madrid Launch a Sensational Bid for Vitinha

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will formalize their interest in Vitinha by submitting a major offer next summer in an effort to make him the next Galactico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

PSG are expected to demand a very high transfer fee, in line with Vitinha’s status as one of the best midfielders in the world today and his reputation on the international stage.

Both Real Madrid and PSG failed to secure places in the top eight of the Champions League league standings following disappointing results in their final group-stage matches, against Benfica and Newcastle United respectively.

As a result, both European giants must continue their campaigns through the knockout phase play-offs, while still maintaining strong hopes of lifting the trophy in May.