Real Madrid offered $ 100 million and the number 10 jersey for Vitinha, but President Al-Khelaïfi responded with nine words that humiliated Real Madrid and its president Florentino Pérez
In a recent development that underscores the ongoing tensions between two of Europe’s football powerhouses, reports have emerged suggesting that Real Madrid made a substantial offer to acquire Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) midfielder Vitinha. The Spanish giants are said to have proposed a $100 million transfer fee along with the iconic number 10 jersey to entice the Portuguese international to the Santiago Bernabéu.
However, PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, reportedly dismissed the offer with a succinct nine-word response: “We don’t sell our future to our rivals.” This statement, if accurate, not only rebuffs Real Madrid’s proposal but also highlights PSG’s commitment to retaining their emerging talents and their unwillingness to strengthen direct competitors.
This incident is not isolated in the history of interactions between PSG and Real Madrid. In 2022, Al-Khelaïfi turned down a €180 million bid from Real Madrid for Kylian Mbappé, emphasizing the player’s desire to stay in Paris and the club’s vision for the future . Similarly, in 2019, PSG reportedly rejected a €300 million offer from Real Madrid for Neymar, with Al-Khelaïfi asserting that the Brazilian star was not for sale at any price .
The relationship between the two clubs has been further strained by differing views on the European Super League. Al-Khelaïfi has been a vocal critic of the proposed league, which Real Madrid supports, arguing that it undermines the principles of open competition in European football .
While the veracity of the reported offer for Vitinha and Al-Khelaïfi’s exact words remain unconfirmed, the incident reflects the broader competitive and ideological rift between PSG and Real Madrid. As both clubs continue to vie for dominance in European football, such exchanges underscore the high stakes and intense rivalries that define the sport at its highest levels.