Real Madrid Chase Two 'Untouchable' Midfield Stars While Eyeing Backup Plans
Real Madrid's strong interest in Vitinha and Enzo Fernández is unlikely to result in Los Blancos landing either midfielder, following reports that both players are deemed "nearly unattainable" acquisitions.
Los Blancos failed to recruit a midfielder following Toni Kroos's retirement in 2024, or after Luka Modrić's departure from the Santiago Bernabéu in 2025, causing significant frustration for managers Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso—both were ultimately dismissed due to the deficiencies in central midfield.
While new manager Álvaro Arbeloa maintains that all is well, acquiring a midfielder remains a pressing summer priority. The preferred targets would be Vitinha, who was pivotal in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory last season, or Fernández, a standout performer in the Premier League. However, The Athletic reports that both signings are essentially impossible from a "monetary" standpoint.
Los Blancos lack the financial capacity to extract either player from contracts that would require their current clubs to demand massive nine-figure transfer sums. Vitinha extended his PSG deal last year through 2029, while Fernández remains tied down until 2032.
Regardless of any player interest, the selling clubs—PSG, Chelsea—maintain complete control.
Who Could Real Madrid Sign in Midfield?
Who Could Real Madrid Sign in Midfield?
If Vitinha and Fernández aren't feasible options, who else is available?
The most accessible midfielder for Real Madrid is Nico Paz. The Argentina international, viewed as a versatile talent blending aspects of an attacking playmaker No. 10 with a dynamic box-to-box No. 8, is subject to a buyback provision included in the transfer agreement with Como in 2024.
Tenerife-born Paz relocated to mainland Spain to join Los Blancos as a youth player and can be re-acquired for a set €9 million ($10.6 million) fee, significantly below his actual market worth.
There exists an option to activate the clause and generate profit by immediately selling Paz to the highest bidder, but Madrid would likely benefit more from retaining his services.
The alternative option is Liverpool's 2022 World Cup champion Alexis Mac Allister, another Argentine. The Athletic reports he was previously targeted by Ancelotti and there was "encouraging feedback" from his representatives. However, discussions never progressed beyond initial contact and were never "thoroughly pursued."
The current situation differs as Mac Allister will have just two years remaining on his Liverpool deal at this season's conclusion. This typically marks when the Reds initiate contract extension discussions with important players, but at 27 years old, Mac Allister recognizes this represents a crucial career decision point.