Why Kylian Mbappe could block Real Madrid's €90m pursuit of Vitinha

Cameron Smith

Updated: 29 Dec 2025 07:03 CST
3 min read

Real Madrid are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha next summer, however Kylian Mbappe is set to be responsible for the deal being blocked.

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Vitinha, 25, has developed into one of the best players in Europe since his move to the Parc des Princes in 2022 and he finished third in the Ballon d’Or this year following a sensational season in which he helped PSG win the Champions League for the first time ever.

The Portugal international has been earmarked as a top target by the Real Madrid hierarchy and they are expected to pursue a deal if they are able to raise funds through the sale of Vinicius Junior next year.

It’s reported that Los Blancos are ready to trigger the €90 million release clause included in Vitinha’s current contract with Luis Enrique’s side, but Spanish publication Defensa Central have confirmed that PSG president Al-Khelaifi will block a possible transfer due to the aforementioned Mbappe.

The Frenchman famously left PSG to join Real Madrid on a Bosman deal in 2024 and Al-Khelaifi remains furious about the deal.

As a result, he reportedly has no intention of allowing Vitinha to follow in Mbappe’s footsteps and he will do “everything in his power” to stop the 25-year-old from joining the Spanish giants next year.

Furthermore, it’s claimed that Vitinha has no desire to leave PSG, despite significant interest from the 15-time Champions League winners.

Real Madrid unlikely to sign Vitinha

With a move for Vitinha unlikely to take place, Real Madrid will be forced to pursue an alternative target in their bid to sign a new central midfielder.

Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez has been heavily linked with a Bernabeu switch in recent months, while the club are also monitoring the progress of Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo and Angelo Stiller.

Furthermore, AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit has emerged as a possible new signing in recent months and Real Madrid are reportedly eager to fight off significant Premier League competition to secure his signature in 2026.

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