Real Madrid to battle Barcelona and three Premier League giants for defensive prodigy | OneFootball

While Real Madrid may not be actively looking to make fresh signings in the upcoming winter transfer window, they certainly have their sights set on the future.

While Trent Alexander-Arnold has been identified as a potential solution for the right-back position, the heart of the defence also requires reinforcement.

After missing out on Leny Yoro due to Manchester United last summer, Real Madrid have turned their attention to other young prospects, one of whom happens to be Vitor Reis, an 18-year-old centre-back currently playing for Palmeiras in Brazil.

Intense competition for Vitor Reis

Indeed, according to AS, Vitor Reis is understood to fit the profile that Real Madrid are seeking to reinforce their centre-back department next season.

However, the Spanish champions are not alone in their pursuit of the teenager, as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Barcelona are also tracking the young defender.

At present, the operation is in its initial stages. While there is definite interest, no formal approach has been made yet.

Vitor Reis is in demand in Europe. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

This aligns with Real Madrid’s typical modus operandi: identify the desired player, then move strategically. The club prefers to nurture potential deals carefully, accelerating when the time is right, all while avoiding bidding wars.

Real Madrid’s need for defensive reinforcement is clear. David Alaba, at 32, remains an uncertainty as he is yet to recover from his ACL injury.

Antonio Rudiger, though reliable, is already 31. Jesus Vallejo will complete his final season and leave the club, and the youth academy products are not yet considered viable alternatives.

Thus, the Merengues are scouring the globe for a long-term partner for 26-year-old Eder Militao. This search includes interest in Valencia’s Yarek Gasiorowski, as previously reported by AS, and now Vitor Reis.

Real Madrid are targeting young players with high potential who fall within their financial parameters. In Reis’ case, he has a contract until December 2028 with a €100 million release clause – a figure that would need significant negotiation.

Given the competition, especially from the financially robust Premier League clubs, Real Madrid’s behind-the-scenes work to clear the path will be crucial, as it has been in previous signings like Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Endrick.