Real Madrid faces a midfield dilemma this winter: Bellingham, Valverde, Guiller, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni all have big reputations, but none are true central playmakers. The only potential orchestrator, Ceballos, hasn’t earned coach Aveloya’s trust. So what can they do?
According to TA’s Real Madrid correspondent Guillermo Rai, Los Blancos are targeting PSG’s midfield powerhouse Vitinha, but Vinícius and his agent believe the deal is unlikely to happen immediately.
On Madrid’s side, Ronaldo’s “successor” Endrick is out on loan, and Alaba has no intention to leave this winter. In short, Real won’t sell or buy in January—even if they’re “empty-handed,” the squad is still star-studded.
For PSG, Vitinha is an irreplaceable midfield core. Born in 2000, the Portuguese midfielder can play as a defensive or central midfielder, known for precise passing, panoramic vision, and commanding organization. Defensively, he’s strong in duels and covers huge ground, a key player in PSG’s Champions League campaigns. Vitinha won IFFHS Best Playmaker and Portuguese Player of the Year 2025, cementing his status as one of the top midfield stars today, naturally attracting Madrid’s attention.
For Real Madrid, signing Vitinha isn’t optional. Last summer, they watched Spanish midfielder Soubimendi move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal, leaving their midfield in disarray. But reality bites: Madrid doesn’t favor winter signings, PSG won’t sell, so any transfer is unlikely until summer.
How long can Aveloya last at Madrid? Nobody knows. At this point, transfer discussions are premature. Do you think Real Madrid should go for Vitinha?
