Real Madrid among clubs tracking €14 million-rated Brazilian defensive prospect – report

Real Madrid among clubs tracking €14 million-rated Brazilian defensive prospect – report According to TeamTalk (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), Real Madrid are among a number of top European clubs keeping a close eye on Atletico Mineiro centre-back Vitao. Along with Los Blancos , the 18-year-old talent is also said to be on the radars of their arch-rivals Barcelona, while Brighton & Hove Albion in England are also interested. Real Madrid eyeing a new centre-back Over the past couple of summers, Real Madrid have invested heavily in strengthening their defensive line. However, at least one more new centre-back is expected to be signed in the summer of 2027. After all, Antonio Rudiger’s contract is set to expire at the end of the ongoing season, and the German veteran is unlikely to receive an offer for an extension. Moreover, concerns still remain over Eder Militao’s long-term fitness considering the amount of time he has spent out with injuries in the past few years. Rudiger’s contract expires next summer. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) As such, at least one central defender is expected to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu before next season. The possibility of re-signing former academy ace Jacobo Ramon , who is excelling at Como, is being studied. At the same time, Los Blancos are also keeping an eye on alternative options in the market. Vitao emerges as an option In that context, Vitao has emerged as a possible target for Real Madrid, with the Merengues monitoring his progress at Atletico Mineiro. Just 18 years old, he has become a regular in the first-team setup for the Brazilian club this season and has made 18 senior appearances so far, even scoring one goal. The youngster has five caps for the Brazil U17 national team and has also featured three times for the Selecao’s U20 side so far in his fledgeling career. Real Madrid monitoring Vitao. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images) Vitao offers an imposing presence at the back, standing at 1.94m tall, and has caught the onlookers’ attention with his physical development. The teenage prospect has a contract with Atletico Mineiro until December 2028, with the report suggesting that he is valued at €14 million. The report further adds that the Brazilian outfit will not consider a sale in January, so any move may have to wait until the summer of 2027, which could align with Real Madrid’s strategy. For now, though, there is nothing to indicate that Real Madrid hold a concrete interest in Vitao, with the club merely monitoring his progress.