PSG hit with major transfer blow during Super Cup against Spurs

Paris Saint-Germain were hit with a transfer blow while they were playing in the UEFA Super Cup against Spurs on Wednesday.

Luis Enrique and his side’s focus was fully on the task at hand during the Super Cup against Spurs in Udine, Italy, but that did not stop news filtering through about a player who was on the pitch.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left out of Enrique’s squad for the game amid uncertainty about his future as he has been linked with moves to Manchester City and Manchester United in recent days.

The Italian, whose contract expires next summer, played an integral part in PSG’s treble-winning 2024/25 campaign but will likely move on following the arrival of France international Lucas Chevalier from Lille.

And another important player could also be on the move despite starring last season.

Portuguese midfielder Vitinha, 25, who started in the penalty shootout win against Spurs, is a pillar of Enrique’s side and, as a result of his impressive performances, recently attracted interest from Real Madrid.

Vitinha in action for PSG (Credit:Getty)

Last week, Spanish outlet Marca reported that the La Liga giants are huge admirers of the 25-year-old who may be available for around €90m next summer.

Madrid have already welcomed new head coach Xabi Alonso this summer, while four players – Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono - have arrived in the Spanish capital.

On Thursday, Mastantuono, who has joined from Argentina-based River Plate, will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player on what will be his 18^th birthday.

And according to Marca, he may take up a spot in Real Madrid Castilla – the club’s reserve team – to free up space in the first-team squad for the potential of one more arrival this summer.

Franco Mastantuono will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Thursday (Credit:Getty)

So, in theory, if Real were to pursue the signing of Vitinha this summer, there would be space for him in Alonso’s squad.

On Wednesday, Vitinha started for PSG in their penalty shootout victory against Spurs but failed to convert from the spot after doing his distinctive lengthy run-up before shooting wide of the post.

Nonetheless, his quality, effortless ability to dictate play and smart manipulation of the ball were still there for all to see during the 90 minutes.

Luis Enrique on Vitinha influence

PSG boss Enrique described the Portuguese as "one of the best players in the world in his position" when speaking back in April.

"I don’t see a player better than him in midfield," Enrique said.

"I could be wrong, but I’m wrong quite rarely."