“THIS WILL BE MY LAST CHAMPIONSHIP WITH PSG.” Vitinha made a surprising statement after winning the European Super Cup. The Portuguese superstar wanted to play for Real Madrid, and President Pérez’s response was…
In a surprising turn of events following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Super Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur on August 13, 2025, PSG’s star midfielder Vitinha shocked the football world with a powerful statement. The 25-year-old Portuguese star, who played a crucial role in PSG’s impressive performance, declared that the Super Cup could be his last trophy with the French giants. He openly expressed his desire to sign for Real Madrid in the summer of 2026. His comments have sparked intense speculation about his future. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez reportedly responded to the player’s ambitions, further fueling the already heated transfer saga.
Vitinha’s rise has been remarkable. Since joining PSG from Porto in 2022, he has become one of the best midfielders in Europe. His 2024-25 season was a masterpiece, with eight goals and five assists in 59 matches, helping PSG achieve the domestic treble and the Champions League. His performances alongside João Neves and Fabián Ruiz in Luis Enrique’s 4-3-3 formation demonstrated his ability to control the game with precise passing, tireless workload, and an exceptional goal-scoring instinct. PSG’s Super Cup victory, in which they easily beat Spurs, cemented his status as the driving force of the team. Despite his success, Vitinha’s post-match comments revealed a burning ambition to take his career to new heights at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Portuguese star’s admiration for Real Madrid is no secret. Following PSG’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semi-final earlier this year, Vitinha praised former Real Madrid player Luka Modric, fueling rumors that he would like to replace the Croatian legend. Sources close to the player suggest that Vitinha sees Real Madrid as the ideal destination to reach his full potential, especially under new manager Xabi Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025. Alonso, known for his tactical acumen and track record as a world-class midfielder, sees Vitinha as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Modric and the retired Toni Kroos.
However, the road to Madrid is fraught with challenges. PSG, led by sporting advisor Luis Campos and manager Luis Enrique, consider Vitinha “untouchable.” His contract, which runs until 2029, includes a €90 million release clause that will kick in in the summer of 2026, according to MARCA. While this amount is within Real Madrid’s financial reach, PSG has previously mentioned a staggering €130 million to dissuade potential buyers, according to Foot01. The Parisian club’s reluctance to part with their star midfielder is understandable, given his crucial role in their recent successes and his growing influence on the pitch.
Real Madrid’s interest in Vitinha is part of a wider midfield overhaul planned for 2026. Despite talents such as Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni, the club lacks a player with Vitinha’s unique combination of creativity and discipline. Alonso’s vision of a balanced team that combines control with individuality perfectly complements Vitinha’s skills. Reports from Defensa Central suggest that Real Madrid are even willing to include Brazilian striker Rodrygo in a potential swap deal to facilitate negotiations, although PSG remains firm for now.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has reportedly reacted with cautious optimism to Vitinha’s public overtures. According to AS, Pérez is “intrigued” by the prospect of signing the Portuguese star but is wary of the financial and logistical hurdles. The club’s significant investments in the 2025 transfer market, including signings such as Álvaro Carreras and Trent Alexander-Arnold, mean that Vitinha’s move could rely on departures to balance the picture. Pérez is reportedly prioritizing youth development, with 18-year-old Thiago Pitarch emerging as a possible Vitinha-style alternative from La Fábrica, Real Madrid’s famed academy. However, Pitarch’s lack of experience makes Vitinha the clear priority for 2026.
Vitinha’s comments have also sparked debate among PSG fans, with some praising his honesty and others questioning his loyalty. PSG has dismissed previous rumors about his move to Madrid as “fabricated” and emphasized Vitinha’s dedication to the club. However, his latest statements suggest a change of heart, possibly driven by the appeal of Real Madrid’s rich history and the opportunity to challenge for La Liga and Champions League titles under Alonso’s leadership.
As the 2025-26 season progresses, all eyes will be on Vitinha’s performance and PSG’s response to his transfer ambitions. Will the Portuguese star be forced to leave Paris, or will PSG convince him to stay? For now, his focus is on expanding his trophy cabinet, but the prospect of a blockbuster move to Real Madrid looms large. The football world awaits with bated breath the next chapter in this unfolding drama.
