Man City Will Not Let Rodri Go, Real Madrid Hopes to Sign PSG Midfielder

JAKARTA - Real Madrid is once again on the hunt for players. This time, they're targeting Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha after failing to land Rodri.

Madrid has lost two of its best midfielders: Toni Kroos, who retired last season. Luka Modric has also retired and is currently on the sidelines at AC Milan.

With both Kroos and Modric approaching their 40s, they must end their careers at Los Merengues. Now, the La Liga giants need replacements to fill the gap in midfield.

Midfielders who can act as conductors, setting the tone for the team's play, something Kroos and Modric do very well.

Following their departures, Madrid's midfield seems to have become a weak point. Coach Xabi Alonso had hoped to bring back Rodri, a pillar of Manchester City's midfield.

However, Manchester City is unwilling to let go of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. Madrid is also eyeing Vitinha, who is an inspiration for PSG's play.

Last season, Vitinha led the elite French Ligue 1 club to a treble. They also won the Champions League and three trophies in one season for the first time.

However, PSG is reluctant to let the Portuguese national team midfielder go, especially since he remains a key part of coach Luis Enrique's plans. However, if they do let their player go, PSG will set a high price tag of 130 million euros.

This price would break the record for a midfielder. Madrid spent 103 million euros to acquire midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023.

Only the high-profile purchase of the England international was justified, as Bellingham was a key player in Madrid's La Liga and Champions League triumphs.

If Madrid ultimately manages to bring Vitinha in and meets PSG's asking price, it would break the record for a player. Eden Hazard currently holds the record for a player who cost Madrid 115 million euros.

Madrid acquired him from Chelsea. However, Hazard failed miserably at Madrid and contributed nothing except gaining weight upon his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Not only that, PSG will also record a record-breaking sale. PSG's highest sale record is still held by Neymar, who was sold to Al Hilal for 90 million euros in 2023.

Madrid's hopes of acquiring Vitinha are unlikely to be easy. Madrid will need fresh funds by selling players before bringing in the 25-year-old midfielder. However, with the summer transfer window closing soon, Madrid will likely find it difficult to sell the player.

Madrid hopes PSG will lower the selling price of the player they bought from Porto in 2022. PSG spent 41.5 million euros to acquire Vitinha, who has since become the backbone of Les Parisiens. If PSG refuses to offer Madrid a discount, the transfer could become a saga.