In July 2025, during the Club World Cup in the United States, Real Madrid is planning a bold squad overhaul led by coach Xabi Alonso to maintain competitiveness in LaLiga and the Champions League. The club is considering selling Brazilian forward Rodrygo, aged 24, for 90 million euros to fund the signing of Portuguese midfielder Vitinha from Paris Saint-Germain for the same amount. The decision aims to balance finances and strengthen the midfield following Luka Modric’s retirement. The Club World Cup semifinal against PSG, scheduled for July 7 at MetLife Stadium, could be pivotal for Rodrygo’s future, with interest from Arsenal, Manchester City, and Al-Nassr. Negotiations for Vitinha, a key player in PSG’s setup, face challenges due to strained relations between the clubs, worsened by Kylian Mbappé’s free transfer in 2024.
Rodrygo, with 14 goals and 10 assists in the 2024-25 season, struggles to fit into Alonso’s tactical setup, logging only 89 minutes in the Club World Cup. The rise of young talents like Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono intensifies competition in the attack. Meanwhile, Vitinha, with seven goals and eight assists in 46 matches, is seen as the ideal replacement for Modric, bringing dynamism and versatility. The overhaul reflects Real Madrid’s ambition to remain at the top, with the Club World Cup serving as a showcase for players and negotiations.
The transfer market is heating up, with English clubs leading the race for Rodrygo. Alonso’s strategy blends experience and youth, while the club seeks creative solutions to secure Vitinha.
- Key Real Madrid moves:
- Selling Rodrygo for 90 million euros.
- Signing Vitinha to bolster midfield.
- Focusing on young talents like Güler and Mastantuono.
- Balancing finances to comply with UEFA’s fair play rules.
New tactical direction for midfield
Xabi Alonso, who took over Real Madrid in June 2025 after winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, prioritizes a more dynamic and versatile midfield. Luka Modric’s retirement at 39, post-Club World Cup, opened space for tactical changes. Vitinha, aged 25, is the primary target, with his ability to contribute in both creation and defensive duties. The Portuguese, a regular starter for PSG, stood out in the 2024-25 Champions League with impressive stats.
Signing Vitinha requires careful financial planning. Pressured by fair play rules, Real Madrid sees Rodrygo’s sale as a way to fund the transfer without straining the budget. The initial offer includes a 90-million-euro package, with the possibility of including players like Eduardo Camavinga, who has underperformed at the club.
The focus on Vitinha reflects a pursuit of greater midfield control. Alonso bets on a system of quick transitions, with players linking defense and attack efficiently. Modric’s departure, a cornerstone of the past decade, makes the arrival of a player with Vitinha’s profile even more urgent.
- Reasons for targeting Vitinha:
- Versatility to play multiple midfield roles.
- Experience in high-level European competitions.
- Compatibility with Alonso’s playing style.
- Potential to lead the midfield for years.
Rodrygo’s quest for prominence
Rodrygo, signed in 2019 for 40 million euros, faces a delicate moment at Real Madrid. Despite contributing 14 goals and 10 assists in 53 matches in the 2024-25 season, the Brazilian has lost prominence in Alonso’s system. In the Club World Cup, held in July 2025, he played just 89 minutes across three matches, with one assist against Al-Hilal. The tactical shift toward a centralized attack has limited his opportunities.
Moved to the right wing, where he feels uncomfortable, Rodrygo prefers the left but faces competition from Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham. The arrival of young talents like Franco Mastantuono, 18, and Arda Güler, 20, reinforces the sense that the Brazilian may be out of the plans. His frustration, voiced in recent interviews, fuels transfer speculation.
Rodrygo’s performance in the semifinal against PSG will be crucial. A strong showing could shift Alonso’s view or attract better offers. With a contract until 2028 and a 1-billion-euro release clause, his market value is estimated at 90 million euros.
Growing interest in the Premier League
Arsenal emerges as the favorite to sign Rodrygo, viewing the Brazilian as an ideal addition to their attack. Mikel Arteta, after finishing runner-up in the 2024-25 Premier League, seeks more offensive firepower. Initial contacts with Rodrygo’s representatives have been made, with talks expected to progress post-Club World Cup. The chance to play on the left, his preferred position, is a draw for the Brazilian.
Manchester City is also in the race. With Jack Grealish’s departure, Pep Guardiola seeks a versatile player for the wings and central attack. Rodrygo’s speed and finishing make him an attractive option. Both clubs are willing to meet the 90-million-euro price tag, heightening competition.
Al-Nassr, offering an annual salary of 20 million euros, tries to lure Rodrygo, but the player prioritizes the Premier League for greater visibility ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- Clubs interested in Rodrygo:
- Arsenal: seeking a boost for the 2025-26 season.
- Manchester City: planning to replace Grealish.
- Al-Nassr: offering a high salary but less appealing.
- PSG: considering a swap for Vitinha but facing resistance.
Challenges in negotiations with PSG
Signing Vitinha faces significant hurdles. The strained relationship between Real Madrid and PSG, worsened by Kylian Mbappé’s free transfer in 2024, complicates talks. PSG, aware of Vitinha’s value, demands 90 million euros and shows no flexibility. The Portuguese, with a contract until 2029, is central to Luis Enrique’s setup, which won the 2024-25 Champions League.
A swap deal involving Rodrygo was considered, but the Brazilian resists moving to Paris, favoring the Premier League. Real Madrid explores alternatives, such as including other players or paying the full amount. The July 7 semifinal could influence negotiations, with a Real Madrid win strengthening their stance.
- Factors complicating Vitinha’s transfer:
- Historical tensions between Real Madrid and PSG.
- High market value of the Portuguese.
- Vitinha’s long-term contract with PSG.
- Rodrygo’s resistance to a move to Paris.
Club World Cup as a showcase
The 2025 Club World Cup, held in July in the United States, is a defining moment for Rodrygo and Real Madrid’s ambitions. The Brazilian needs to shine in the semifinal against PSG on July 7 at MetLife Stadium, broadcast by CazéTV and Disney+. The tournament, also featuring a semifinal between Fluminense and Chelsea, draws global attention and serves as a platform for players and deals.
A standout performance could solidify Rodrygo’s place at the club or boost his market value. For Real Madrid, the Club World Cup is a chance to cement Alonso’s tactical overhaul and attract investors. The tournament, with a 30-million-dollar prize for finalists, also eases the club’s financial pressures.
- Club World Cup highlights:
- Rodrygo with 89 minutes and one assist.
- Semifinal against PSG as a pivotal stage.
- Global broadcast by CazéTV and Disney+.
- Competition as a showcase for young talents.
Financial strategy and heated market
Real Madrid faces the challenge of balancing finances after major investments like Mbappé’s signing and Mastantuono’s arrival. Selling Rodrygo is seen as a way to fund Vitinha without breaching fair play rules. The 2025 transfer window is bustling, with Arsenal and Manchester City planning aggressive moves.
Al-Nassr, with strong financial backing, tries to attract Rodrygo, but the Premier League remains his priority. Led by Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid’s board navigates the market cautiously, aiming to maintain dominance in LaLiga and the Champions League.
- Transfer market moves:
- Arsenal negotiating for Zubimendi and Sesko.
- Manchester City seeking Grealish replacements.
- Al-Nassr targeting names like Rodrygo.
- Real Madrid betting on Güler and Mastantuono.
