Real Madrid face race to secure Atletico Mineiro teenager Vitao

Real Madrid are monitoring Atletico Mineiro’s 18-year-old defender Vitao, but face competition from Premier League clubs Brighton and Everton for one of Brazil’s most highly regarded emerging talents.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Real Madrid are following the centre-back closely. Brighton are expected to make the first formal approach during the next winter transfer window, with the club preparing an offer of €14m.

That figure is below the €20m release clause that applies to clubs from outside Brazil. Atletico Mineiro own 80% of Vitao’s economic rights, while the remaining 20% is shared between the player and his agents, Lincoln and Adriano Spadoto.

The Belo Horizonte club have attempted to renew the defender’s contract, with the aim of increasing his salary and raising the value of the release clause. However, negotiations have made no progress in recent weeks.

Vitao is understood to be one of the lowest-paid regular starters in the Brazilian top flight, despite establishing himself in Atletico Mineiro’s first team.

Born on 4 March 2008, the 1.93m defender came through Atletico Mineiro’s academy and has been captain since the under-15 age group. He led the side to the Brazilian Under-17 Championship title in 2025, having also helped Brazil win the South American Under-17 Championship in the same year.

He made his senior-team debut at the age of 17 before eventually securing a regular place in the side managed by Eduardo Dominguez.

One of his standout performances came in a goalless draw against Internacional at the Beira-Rio in August. Vitao impressed with his strength in aerial challenges and his ability to begin attacks from defence.

He is currently with Brazil Under-20s, taking part in the squad’s training camp during the international break. Sport also reports that members of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil senior-team coaching staff have praised the defender’s statistics.

Real Madrid have pursued a long-term strategy of signing promising Brazilian players before their market value rises significantly. The anticipated offer from Brighton, combined with Vitao’s relatively affordable release clause, could force the Spanish club to act quickly if they are to beat their English rivals to the deal.