After watching the UEFA Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal, Spanish coach Xabi Alonso asked Florentino Pérez to act immediately to sign the star of the match at any cost.

Real Madrid’s ambitions in the transfer market may be about to shift dramatically following the UEFA Nations League semi-final clash between Germany and Portugal. The game, played at the Allianz Arena, was not just a contest of national pride—it became a defining scouting moment for one of Europe’s brightest young managers: Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish coach, who recently took the reins at Real Madrid, was deeply impressed by one performance in particular. It wasn’t the usual suspects who caught his eye. It was Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic midfielder, who stole the spotlight with a commanding display against a strong German side.

Alonso reportedly contacted Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez shortly after the match, urging him to move fast to secure Vitinha’s services—no matter the cost. To Alonso, Vitinha is not just a good player; he is the cornerstone of what the next generation of Real Madrid’s midfield could look like.

In recent years, Real Madrid has prided itself on assembling a squad of elite young talents. From Jude Bellingham to Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, the club has transitioned smoothly into a new era. Yet, the retirement of Toni Kroos and the imminent departure of Luka Modrić leave a creative and leadership vacuum—one that Alonso believes Vitinha is uniquely equipped to fill.

Vitinha’s performance in the Nations League semifinal wasn’t a one-off. Just a week earlier, he played a pivotal role in PSG’s stunning UEFA Champions League final win over Inter Milan. That match was hailed as one of the most tactically complete displays in modern Champions League history, and Vitinha was at the heart of it.

His contributions went beyond simple passes or defensive tackles. The Portuguese midfielder was instrumental in both build-up and final third transitions. He tracked back relentlessly, dictated tempo, and created opportunities with vision that many compared to that of a prime Andrés Iniesta.

Xabi Alonso, known for his cerebral approach to the game, sees Vitinha as a perfect fit for his tactical blueprint. The 25-year-old brings balance to midfield. He’s capable of dictating play deep, pressing high up the pitch, and breaking defensive lines with slick combinations. His versatility allows him to play as a defensive anchor, a roaming box-to-box engine, or even as an advanced playmaker.

However, convincing Paris Saint-Germain to let go of such a player is easier said than done. Vitinha recently renewed his contract until 2029, and PSG management views him as untouchable. Coach Luis Enrique has built much of his midfield around the Portuguese international and is unlikely to entertain offers.

The political climate between Real Madrid and PSG also complicates matters. Tensions escalated following Kylian Mbappé’s free transfer to Madrid. While legally sound, the move left PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi fuming. The prospect of another Madrid swoop—this time for Vitinha—could deepen the rift.

Moreover, Vitinha’s profile doesn’t fully align with Real Madrid’s current transfer strategy. Under Florentino Pérez’s guidance, the club has leaned toward signing players under the age of 21, with a long-term developmental outlook. Recent examples include the acquisitions of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate and Moroccan prodigy Abdallah Ouazane from Ajax.

Despite these hurdles, Xabi Alonso appears adamant. He believes the club must act boldly if it wants to maintain its dominance both in Spain and on the European stage. According to sources close to the manager, Alonso sees Vitinha as a long-term leader, someone capable of becoming “the next Modrić”—both in terms of playstyle and presence in the dressing room.

Vitinha’s leadership qualities have also come into sharper focus in recent months. At PSG and now with the Portuguese national team, he’s emerged as a vocal figure on the pitch, guiding younger teammates and embracing high-pressure scenarios with composure.

Still, Real Madrid is expected to proceed with caution. As much as Alonso is pushing for this move, the club will wait to see how Vitinha performs throughout the remainder of the Nations League and the summer friendlies. A standout performance at the Euro 2024 tournament could force Madrid to act faster.

Financially, the deal won’t be easy either. Vitinha’s market value has skyrocketed after back-to-back world-class displays, and PSG will likely demand a sum north of €90 million—if they entertain negotiations at all. Add to that Real Madrid’s own summer budget constraints, especially following the Mbappé signing, and it’s clear this transfer is far from straightforward.

Yet, the history of Real Madrid is filled with bold moves. From Zinedine Zidane to Cristiano Ronaldo, and more recently Jude Bellingham, the club has never shied away from investing heavily in midfield excellence. If Pérez sees the same potential in Vitinha that Alonso does, negotiations may well be worth pursuing.

For now, all eyes are on Vitinha. The player, fully focused on international duty, has not commented on the interest. But if Alonso gets his way, Vitinha could soon be wearing white—not of PSG, but of Real Madrid.