Is Vitinha the player who can help Real Madrid?

Earlier this week, it emerged that Real Madrid have come to terms with the reality that their long-term squad strategy has not gone as planned.

According to a recent report by AS, the club has now made key decisions about their roster ahead of next season, signaling major changes on the horizon. The 2026–27 squad is expected to look very different, with the summer transfer window shaping up to be a pivotal period.

'Good ebening' becomes 'Buenas noches' in Madrid?

Club executives and management are aligned on one thing: changes are necessary, and they are prepared to act decisively when the window opens. Real Madrid’s top priorities are strengthening the central defence and midfield. The plan is to bring in one or two centre-backs and at least one midfielder who can add quality and composure to the spine of the team.

The emphasis is on players who think with the ball at their feet — a skillset the current squad is deemed to lack. The aim is to find individuals capable of controlling matches and helping Real maintain cohesion and dominance on the pitch.

Madrid’s recruitment strategy will target a mix of youth and experience, but with a clear preference for players under 20. Older players will only be considered if they are available on a free transfer, with Vitinha being a notable exception. The PSG and Portuguese midfielder has long been linked to Los Blancos and remains on their radar, though PSG’s involvement complicates any potential deal. For a transfer to happen, the player and his camp would need to make bold moves — something that currently seems unlikely.

As a result, Real are also looking to younger prospects, with Kees Smit emerging as a standout target. The midfielder has been monitored for several weeks and fits the profile of a high-potential player who could grow into a key figure.

How radical Madrid will be this summer remains to be seen, but the need for a shake-up in the dressing room is evident. The decisions made by Florentino Perez over the next few months could define the team’s trajectory for years to come.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 20

Friday

Lens - Le Havre 1-0 (1-0)

/Aguilar 45+1/

Saturday

Paris - Olympique Marseille 2-2 (0-1)

/Ikone 82, Kebbal 90+4 pen - Greenwood 18 pen , Aubameyang 53/

Lorient - Nantes 2-1 (1-0)

/Dieng 32, Kouassi 89 - Abline 74/

Monaco - Rennes 4-0 (1-0)

/Fati 33, Akliouche 50, Coulibaly 59, Muzanbo 89/

Sunday

17.00: (1.93) Olympique Lyon (3.75) Lille (4.05)

19.15: (2.20) Angers (3.45) Metz (3.60)

19.15: (2.15) Nice (3.50) Brest (3.60)

19.15: (1.77) Toulouse (3.65) Auxerre (5.10)

20.45: (5.00) Strasbourg (4.50) PSG (1.65)

***odds are subject to change***