Real Madrid midfield target will have a €90 million release clause in 2026 | OneFootball

According to a recent report by Jose Felix Diaz in MARCA, Real Madrid are already planning ahead when it comes to strengthening their midfield.

Interestingly, one name that has caught the attention of the club’s management is Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha, although a move is not expected to take place this summer.

Club officials at Real Madrid have long been aware that the pivot role in midfield will need reinforcements sooner or later.

With the recent departure of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, the team is preparing for a new generation to take over in the middle of the park. While several players have stepped up, the need for a long-term solution in the holding role remains.

Eyes on Vitinha

Vitinha, in that case, is seen as one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe. His performances over the past season have been outstanding.

He has become the engine of PSG’s play, contributing heavily both in possession and defensively. He was also part of Portugal’s Nations League-winning squad and is being considered for several individual awards.

Real Madrid keeping tabs on Vitinha. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Although Vitinha recently renewed his contract until June 2029, it is understood that he has a release clause of €90 million, which became active in the summer of 2026.

That figure, while high, is seen by Real Madrid as a fair price for a player of his quality, especially considering how the market is evolving.

Complicated relationship between Real Madrid and PSG

What complicates matters is the current relationship between Real Madrid and PSG. After the Kylian Mbappe saga, dealings between the two clubs are reportedly very tense.

As a result, a traditional transfer agreement is viewed as almost impossible. The only likely way for Real Madrid to secure Vitinha’s services would be through his release clause.

Despite this, Real Madrid have not made any formal move. Club sources make it clear that they are not planning to sign a pivot midfielder in the current transfer window.

However, the summer of 2026 could mark a change in that stance, but for now, Vitinha’s name remains on a long-term list of targets.