Better than Wirtz and Rodri… Florentino Pérez Moves Strongly to Sign a Legendary Midfielder to Succeed Luka Modrić

Florentino Pérez is never one to wait idly while rivals reinforce their squads. As Real Madrid prepares for another demanding season, marked by the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and a busy summer transfer window, the president has turned his attention to replacing one of the club’s greatest legends—Luka Modrić.

After more than a decade of dazzling performances and countless trophies, Modrić’s time at the Santiago Bernabéu appears to be coming to an end. The Croatian maestro has left behind a legacy few can match, and finding a suitable successor is no easy feat. However, recent moves by Real Madrid suggest they might be close to identifying the right man.

Recent reports from Defensa Central reveal that Real Madrid has intensified its pursuit of Portuguese midfield sensation Vitinha, a name many believe is a better fit than both Florian Wirtz and Rodri Hernández. The club has reportedly been monitoring him for weeks, impressed by his standout performances for Paris Saint-Germain, particularly in the Champions League.

Vitinha was instrumental in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the recent Champions League final. His control of the midfield, vision, and quick distribution caught the attention of scouts and decision-makers at Real Madrid. Sources say Florentino Pérez sees in him a profile similar to Modrić—technical brilliance, creativity, and tactical discipline.

While names like Florian Wirtz and Rodri have been circulated in recent months, neither seems to perfectly fit what Real Madrid is looking for. Wirtz, the Bayer Leverkusen star, is more of a forward-thinking attacking midfielder. Though talented, his €140 million price tag and different style make him a secondary option for the Madrid giants.

Rodri, on the other hand, has just recovered from a serious knee injury and plays a much more defensive role. While he would certainly bring strength and stability, he lacks the elegance and flair Modrić brings from the heart of the pitch. Real Madrid isn’t looking for a pure defensive pivot—they want a complete midfielder who can dictate play from deep and surge forward when needed.

Vitinha’s current contract with PSG runs until 2029, which makes a potential move complicated. The strained relationship between Real Madrid and the French club—fueled by the Kylian Mbappé saga—hasn’t helped negotiations. Nasser Al-Khelaifi remains displeased with how the Mbappé departure unfolded, and any future deals between the clubs could face resistance.

Despite this, Real Madrid has not ruled out the possibility of making a strong push for Vitinha. The scouting department is convinced of his potential, and with Modrić’s likely exit, the club needs a replacement capable of stepping into his shoes immediately. Pérez is known for moving decisively when he spots generational talent, and this might be one of those moments.

However, Real Madrid is not putting all its eggs in one basket. Sources suggest that in case a deal for Vitinha becomes impossible, the club has already identified a strong alternative: Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart. The 24-year-old German midfielder, nicknamed the “Ugly Kroos” by some in Germany due to his stylistic similarity to Toni Kroos, is now firmly on Madrid’s radar.

Stiller is seen as an underrated gem—calm under pressure, exceptional at distributing the ball, and a leader on the pitch. He may not possess the flash of a Wirtz or the defensive bite of Rodri, but his all-round game fits the profile of what Madrid seeks: consistency, vision, and maturity.

His valuation, reportedly around €40 million, makes him a financially sensible option. With Kroos recently retiring after lifting his fifteenth European title, Stiller could represent the continuity of a midfield culture built on precision and intelligence.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid has already begun reinforcing other areas of the squad. The signing of Dutch defender Dean Huijsen was recently confirmed, and talks with Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras are ongoing to bolster the left side of defense. The club is focused on building a complete squad under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

Alonso’s arrival is itself a strategic masterstroke. As a former midfield general for Real Madrid and Spain, his tactical expertise and understanding of midfield dynamics make him the ideal figure to oversee the integration of Modrić’s replacement.

The transition period won’t be easy, but Real Madrid has faced similar challenges in the past. They’ve rebuilt after the exits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Casemiro—and came out stronger. With Pérez leading the charge and Alonso guiding the locker room, the future looks promising.

Fans are understandably nostalgic about Modrić’s possible departure, but as with all great eras, evolution is inevitable. The search for the next midfield maestro is not just about replacing talent; it’s about preserving a style of play and a winning identity.

Whether it ends with Vitinha, Stiller, or another emerging star, one thing is clear: Real Madrid’s midfield of the future is being sculpted now, and Pérez is determined to make it legendary once again.