Transfer canceled: the reason why Vitinha will never play for Real Madrid

Real Madrid has seen one of its main targets for the midfield become more complicated. Vitinha, PSG's midfielder, was mentioned as a reinforcement, but his arrival at Bernabéu now seems impossible.

The club was looking for a replacement after Luka Modric's departure, who was the last member of the legendary midfield trio alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro. With Kroos's retirement and Modric's exit, the midfield needed a new leader. Vitinha appeared to be the ideal candidate.

There is no exit agreement

The main problem is that Vitinha doesn't have an agreement that would allow him to leave PSG for a fixed price. In Spain, this is known as a release clause, but in Paris, there isn't one for the Portuguese midfielder.

In other cases, French clubs have agreed to these kinds of conditions. For example, Ryan Cherki was able to leave Lyon for Manchester City thanks to a previously established exit agreement. However, Vitinha doesn't have anything similar, which makes any negotiation with Real Madrid more difficult.

PSG wants to keep its young star. In addition, the footballer has made it clear that he feels comfortable in Paris: “I feel at home. My family is well, I love the city and the club's project. I'm very happy to be able to stay here”, he recently stated.

Comparison with Mbappé

Vitinha's case can't be compared to what happened with Kylian Mbappé. The French forward had to wait for his contract to end before negotiating with Real Madrid. In addition, the relationship between the two clubs isn't the same as it was then, which adds difficulty to the operation.

PSG also doesn't intend to sell for a figure below its valuation. This makes any attempt by Madrid even more complicated.

For now, Vitinha will remain at PSG. His continuity guarantees stability in the Parisian midfield and rules out the option of him arriving at Chamartín. Real Madrid will have to explore other alternatives to strengthen its midfield in the current market.

The hope of signing the Portuguese footballer is fading, and the club will have to look for options that are viable and accessible. The operation that seemed possible weeks ago no longer has a path forward.