Xabi Alonso 'has found' his own Vitinha and it could save Real Madrid millions

For a period, Real Madrid dominated European football, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric key cogs in the Los Blancos engine room.

The dynamic duo were split up last summer when Kroos retired from the game, while Modric departed for AC Milan earlier this year, the latter’s exit bringing an end to a 13-year trophy-laden stint in Spain.

Both Modric and Kroos won all there is to win during their time together in the Spanish capital, including three successive Champions League winners’ medals between 2016 and 2018.

Even with the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde to call upon, however, none have the same aura and dominance as the legendary midfield pairing.

Real Madrid have been active in the transfer market already this summer, signing Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Facundo Mastantuono and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Modric’s exit leaves a gap in the middle of the park.

PSG pass master has been linked with Los Blancos

The La Liga giants, who will look to wrestle the title back from rivals Barcelona in Xabi Alonso’s first season at the Bernabeu helm, appear light on midfield options, which is a concern.

It’s seen Los Blancos linked with a move for PSG’s possession-machine Vitinha after his imperious campaign for the Parisian powerhouse.

As PSG eased to league and European glory, Vitinha was the heartbeat of the side, forging a fine midfield partnership with compatriot Joao Neves and Spain international Fabian Ruiz in Luis Enrique’s favoured 4-3-3 setup.

The 25-year-old was instrumental to their success at home and abroad last season and his exploits didn’t go unnoticed.

Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in the Portugal international, who’d cost a pretty penny to prise away from Paris.

A report on One Football back in May suggested it would take an offer in excess of €120m to convince PSG to sell Vitinha, who recently put pen to paper on a new deal until 2029.

And it’s now been suggested that Real Madrid should put their chequebook away and instead focus on an academy product whose style of play has been likened to Vitinha.

Who is Thiago Pitarch?

Thiago Pitarch has caught the eye in pre-season with Real Madrid working hard to tie the 18-year-old down to a new contract.

The teenager, who was born in August 2007, has both Morocco and Spanish heritage, though is yet to decide on his international future.

Alonso has been impressed with Pitarch ever since he started training with the first team ahead of the 2025/26 La Liga campaign.

One high-profile Real Madrid on X posted to their 1.6m followers highlighting Pitarch, who looks set to be part of the Los Blancos setup this season.

“Inside Real Madrid, Thiago Pitarch has drawn comparisons to the profile of ‘Vitinha’,” @theMadridZone posted on Monday evening.

Real Madrid get their La Liga campaign up and running in a week’s time when they take on Osasuna at the Bernabeu, with Pitarch pushing to be included in Alonso’s first matchday squad of the season.