Real Madrid will reportedly have to shell out €40 million to snap up FC Porto midfielder Vitinha, a target for Liverpool.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Vitinha has a €40 million release clause in his contract with FC Porto. The Portuguese midfielder is the subject of interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
Vitinha has risen to prominence since returning to FC Porto from his season-long loan stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The move to the Premier League had not worked out, but the 22-year-old has established himself as a key figure for the Portuguese giants in the ongoing campaign.
The player has turned out 38 times across all competitions for Porto this season, chipping in with three goals and three assists in the process. Vitinha’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, with some of the most high profile clubs in Europe setting their sights on him, including Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The interest from Real Madrid comes in the wake of the growing uncertainties surrounding the futures of Dani Ceballos and Isco. While Ceballos is keen on securing regular game-time and will depart the Santiago Bernabeu on a permanent transfer, Isco is poised to leave Real Madrid as a free agent when his contract runs out in the summer transfer window.
With Luka Modric and Toni Kroos approaching the final phases of their respective careers, Real Madrid will have to delve into the market for a long-term central midfield solution, making Vitinha a viable target. But Los Blancos will have to fend off stiff competition from Liverpool to sign the 22-year-old.
Liverpool chose not to bring in a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum last summer, instead promoting Harvey Elliott as a first-team regular. But with James Milner in the twilight of his career, the Reds have to enter the market for a long-term successor, which is why they have turned their attention towards Vitinha.
Real Madrid and Liverpool will need to trigger Vitinha’s release clause, valued at €40 million, to secure his services in the summer transfer window. With signing a midfielder necessary for both clubs, it will be interesting to see if they will be willing to shell out €40 million to land him.
