Real Madrid's pursuit of João Neves and Vitinha has come to an abrupt halt. Jorge Mendes, the agent representing both midfielders, has confirmed that they will continue their careers at Paris Saint-Germain. This announcement squashes weeks of speculation regarding a potential transfer to the Spanish capital.
In late May 2026, Mendes had reportedly offered these players to Real Madrid, with Neves valued at about $120 million. However, by early June, both players made it clear that they had no intention of departing PSG, leading Mendes to convey this message directly to Madrid, a claim supported by notable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Both Neves and Vitinha are integral to PSG’s midfield, having contributed significantly to the club's recent successes in the UEFA Champions League. Neves joined PSG from Benfica in August 2024, and his contract runs until June 2029. Vitinha has been with the team since 2022.
For Real Madrid, this development is a notable setback as they had prioritized reinforcing their midfield for the summer transfer window. Neves’s price tag of $120 million now sets a benchmark for similar players in the market, which could complicate their plans for acquiring new talent. On the other hand, PSG has successfully retained a crucial part of their squad that has helped achieve consecutive Champions League victories, ensuring stability in their midfield as they head into the new season.