Real Madrid suffer transfer setback as Ligue 1 giants close doors on 25-year-old's exit
In a development that could frustrate Real Madrid's summer plans, Fichajes reports that Paris Saint-Germain have completely closed the door on the idea of selling Vitinha.
The Portuguese midfielder, a key figure in PSG's Champions League-winning campaign, has caught the eye of Madrid's scouts, but manager Luis Enrique is having none of it.
Advertisement
The Spanish coach sees Vitinha as untouchable. Far from being just another talented midfielder, the former Porto man has become one of the tactical cornerstones of Enrique's system, praised for his dynamism, link-up play, and positional intelligence.
So crucial is his role that Enrique has reportedly requested the club's board to shield the 25-year-old from all transfer interest, regardless of how financially appealing any proposal may be.
A non-negotiable asset
PSG's position is clear and resolute that Vitinha is not for sale. Coming off the back of their Champions League glory, the Ligue 1giants are determined to retain their top performers.
Vitinha will not leave Paris Saint-Germain. (Photo byfor Qatar Airways)
The project, now validated by European success, demands continuity and stability and Vitinha fits perfectly into that long-term vision.
Advertisement
While clubs like Real Madrid, who are planning their next generation of midfielders, see Vitinha as a top-tier prospect, they are now facing the reality that prising him away from the Parc des Princes this summer is practically impossible.
Real Madrid must wait
Within Real Madrid, Vitinha remains a name of interest. The club's talent spotters admire his technical ability, composure under pressure, and versatility.
However, with PSG's current stance, any formal move would be futile. Madrid are expected to keep monitoring his development, but for now, patience is the only option.
Los Blancos may have identified Vitinha as an ideal long-term midfield target, but for now, they must shelve their ambitions and focus on Angelo Stiller instead because PSG are sending an unmistakable signal that their stars are no longer up for grabs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
‘Most Successful Ever' Team Al Ahly Gets Set For FIFA Club World Cup
Egypt's Al Ahly has win 45 domestic league titles. Spanish coach José Riveiro is under no illusions. In most roles, winning back-to-back league titles, two domestic honors, a couple of continental crowns, four consecutive Super Cups, and an African-Asian-Pacific trophy represents more than enough credit in the bank—especially within three years. But it's a little different at the Egyptian superteam Al Ahly. A significant portion of Egypt's soccer fan population supports the Red Devils (not to be muddled with Manchester United), which carries an expectation to win, win, and win. It's hard to dispute that 15-time European Cup champion Real Madrid is the most successful club in global soccer. Yet, by the quantity of silverware, Al-Ahly is out in front; its official website exhibits an unparalleled 155 trophies. Marcel Koller has lived it. Despite winning the first mentioned haul of prizes between September 2022 and April 2025, he was out of a job following Al Ahly's exit from Africa's version of the Champions League at the semifinal stage this season just finished. So, his replacement, Riveiro, has an exacting task on his hands, one of which is turning a few heads at the Club World Cup, where Al-Ahly will, on this occasion, be a small fish in a big pond. The Egyptians kick off the expanded tournament against Lionel Messi-fronted Inter Miami this June 14 (in the United States)—a game crucial to FIFA. Having negotiated a reported €877 million ($1 billion)—also its prize money—deal with broadcaster DAZN, the governing body now wants as much revenue as possible from sponsorships and gate receipts. It's relying on lots of eyeballs—especially because DAZN's basic coverage of the aspirational competition is free to view. However, early indications are the show's pull is weaker than FIFA hoped, with ticket prices tumbling and the prospect of thousands of empty seats for the opening fixture. There's little doubt the president, Gianni Infantino, wanted Cristiano Ronaldo's magnetism to push things along, but the Portuguese isn't eyeing an appearance. FIFA is swimming against the tide, and the Inter Miami-Al Ahly spectacle will hint at what's to come. The complexly designed trophy will be given to the best team on July 13, a month or so before next ... More season begins in earnest. All the same, an impressive performance from Al-Ahly would start the competition in style. For some big hitters touching down in the U.S., the Club World Cup is inconvenient after a long season. For a team like Al Ahly, it's a golden ticket to test its might against the very best. Notwithstanding FIFA's €219 million ($250 million) solidarity payout to clubs worldwide, the typically strong European names will pocket more from participating in the show than sides from other confederations. Still, the bonuses will bolster an already strong Al Ahly in Egypt. Indeed, Al-Ahly has a financial leg-up over competitors back home. With social media support rivaling most Premier League big shots, it also operates as a general sports entity—with basketball, handball, and other teams part of the brand—and can draw healthy income from high-end club membership fees. Incidentally, Manchester City star Omar Marmoush began his career at another Egyptian club, Wadi Degla, which also has the ubiquitous sports and leisure model built in. Naturally, Al-Ahly has the pick of quality players. Ex-Aston Villa forward Mahmoud Trézéguet is among the squad for the matches ahead, while Emam Ashour scores an impressive number of goals from midfield. But to say Al-Ahly's dominance is all you need to know about Egyptian soccer goes wide of the mark. The Cairo giant, established as a counter to British colonial rule in 1907, is a rival to Zamalek, with the pair cooking up one of the most ferocious soccer derbies anywhere. And in recent times, Pyramids FC—bought and rebranded as such by Turki Al-Sheikh seven years ago—has shaken up the natural order a little. All told, how Al Ahly fares at the Club World Cup won't have much bearing in North Africa. It will remain the force in a country whose leagues include state or privately-owned sides with virtually no fanbases. Instead, the national scene is arguably the main talking point from here on in. There's criticism that Egypt's football association isn't doing enough for young talents soon to lead the next generation—this from a land that boasts Liverpool idol Mohamed Salah. As for Al Ahly, even going far in the Club World Cup may be up there with some of the many achievements from its gold-plated 118-year history.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Injuries helped Saka 'become a better person'
Bukayo Saka hopes the injuries he suffered over 2024-25 will make him a "better player" and a "better person" as he prepares for his final game of a long season on Tuesday. The 23-year-old missed England's game against Andorra on Saturday but is expected feature for the first time under Thomas Tuchel when they face Senegal in a friendly on Tuesday. Advertisement That was just the latest in a line of games he has been unable to play this campaign, including the longest spell of his career on the sidelines between December and April. "It was very tough," Saka said. "I had to have an operation [and] I have never had one before, so it was quite scary initially. After it was done and successful, I dealt with it quite well. "I was quite positive I would put all the work in that I needed to do. I spent some time at home with my family, more time than when I was playing, so that was nice to mentally refresh and be with them. "Overall, I think it will help me come back as a better player and a better person and be able to give more. Advertisement "The hardest part [about being out] was probably watching the games or watching how they were speaking about Arsenal on the TV. I was happy when I was off the crutches and I could go to the stadium, because it was a bit frustrating." Despite his return for the remaining weeks of the season, Arsenal were already too far off the pace in the Premier League to challenge eventual champions Liverpool and ended another season without silverware after losing to Paris St-Germain in the Champions league semi-finals. "I think I have grown a lot [while being out injured] - I think the team has grown a lot too," Saka added. "I am wearing an England badge now, however, when we return next season, I am sure we will be in a better place and compete again."
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
See the complete list of 156 golfers in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont
See the complete list of 156 golfers in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont The 2025 U.S. Open is here and now, all 156 spots have been claimed. Ryan Fox earned his way in Sunday. After winning the RBC Canadian Open, his spot in the updated Official World Golf Ranking went up to 32nd, safely inside the top 60 in the world ranking by this week's deadline. Five others – Eric Cole, Chase Johnson, Doug Ghim, Takumi Kanaya and Riki Kawamoto – got in off the alternates list. Matthew Jordan, also an alternate, received a spot in the wake of Sahith Theegala's withdrawal due to his recent neck injury. The U.S. Open's final qualifying on June 2 added 47 names. The championship will also include 15 amateurs, 14 LIV golfers and 11 past champions, including defending U.S. Open champ Bryson DeChambeau. Between now and the first tee shots Thursday, there could be last-minute changes, but the remaining alternates and second alternates from various Final Qualifying sites will have to wait and see if anyone else chooses to drop out ahead of the start of the 125th U.S. Open. Golfers in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont
