Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has asked Florentino Perez to sign Cristiano Ronaldo’s 24-year-old Portugal teammate: Reports
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly asked club president Florentino Perez to sign Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal teammate Vitinha. The 24-year-old midfielder has been one of the most exciting players in his position, dazzling with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and being a shining light in Euro 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal didn't reach the heights they were expected to get to at Euro 2024, losing out to France in the quarter-final. Yet, Vitinha was one of the notable players who looked insistent on making a difference during his four appearances.
Last season, the versatile midfielder was a remarkable presence for PSG, playing 46 games in all competitions, while scoring nine goals and providing five assists. He is capable of playing across the midfield, as well as influencing the game from the flanks if necessary.
His quality has not been ignored by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, and according to El Nacional, the Italian coach wants him on the Los Blancos squad. Club legend Toni Kroos made the decision to retire from the game, which has left a spot open to be filled in the midfield.
While players like Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham are capable of filling in the gap, Ancelotti sees Vitinha as a better option. However, it is expected to be a costly venture of above €50 million, as the Parisians have no particular intentions of selling him this summer. It is believed that Vitinha, who has played with Cristiano Ronaldo, has already shown some interest in joining Real Madrid.
Real Madrid legend urges Croatia midfielder to retire
Real Madrid legend Predrag Mijatovic has urged midfielder Luka Modric to retire and end his time at the Santiago Bernabeu on a high. The 38-year-old Croatian midfielder has seen teammates like Toni Kroos and Casemiro leave the club, with the German retiring from the sport. Cristiano Ronaldo also left in 2018.
However, Modric has opted to sign up for another year at the Bernabeu. This has not sat well with Mijatovic, who said on Cadena SER (via Forbes):
"Luka had an offer from Saudi Arabia and he rejected it, this summer he has also had offers for a lot of money but he has decided to stay. He has already made up his mind that he is no longer an undisputed starter, he realised that last season and he already knows that he is not a starter.
"He's going to be 39 years old and I think he's close to retiring from Real Madrid, I don't know if he'll make it to the World Cup, you never know and with Luka even less, but I think it's time to retire, and if it can be at Madrid even better."
Luka Modric will most likely complete this season as his last at the Santiago Bernabeu. This is especially if he struggles to find any playing time among the younger options at the club.