Report: Liverpool are in the race to sign €150m midfielder in 2026 | OneFootball

Liverpool Consider Major Investment in Vitinha

The club’s recruitment strategy last summer brought a dramatic reshaping of the attack and defence, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz arriving for record-breaking figures and further additions made across the pitch. Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Giorgi Mamardashvili all strengthened the squad, yet the midfield was left untouched.

Richard Hughes opted against signing central reinforcements, leaving Arne Slot to rely on the group that carried Liverpool to the 2024/25 Premier League title. That core — Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo — absorbed heavy workloads last season and have endured further challenges this term.

Midfield Imbalance Forces 2026 Planning

Injuries have disrupted the rhythm of all but Szoboszlai, who has frequently been deployed in multiple roles to compensate for shortages. Gravenberch and Mac Allister, central to the title-winning campaign, have struggled to reach previous levels, creating a renewed focus on adding quality and durability to the department.

With consistency proving elusive, Liverpool are understood to be examining elite options for 2026, and reports in Spain claim Vitinha has risen to the top of that list. The Portugal international, who appeared on the Ballon d’Or podium in 2025, has become a cornerstone of PSG’s midfield and a standout in European competition.

PSG Braced for Huge Interest

Vitinha remains under contract until 2029, meaning any club looking to acquire him would need to commit to an exceptional financial package. Sources in France suggest PSG would require around €150m before even considering negotiations. That level of fee reflects both his influence in Paris and his rapid rise since leaving Wolves.

Despite PSG’s stance, Liverpool’s admiration for the player is long-established. Those familiar with the club’s internal assessments indicate he is viewed as an ideal fit for Slot’s evolving system, offering game-management, press resistance, tempo control and the tactical intelligence needed in decisive phases.

The Premier League’s intensity and exposure reportedly hold strong appeal for the midfielder, though leaving a stable, star-laden environment at PSG would demand compelling guarantees. Real Madrid are also credited with interest, creating a landscape in which Liverpool may need to match or exceed competing offers to remain in the conversation.

Liverpool’s Strategic View of Vitinha

Reports claim Liverpool see Vitinha as a transformative option capable of modernising a midfield that has endured fluctuating form across consecutive seasons. His range of contributions — both technically and tactically — aligns with the club’s push for greater consistency and resilience across all competitions.

While PSG insist the midfielder is not available, there remains a belief in England that an exceptional bid could shift the dialogue. Liverpool’s decision-makers are understood to be preparing for a highly competitive market if they choose to move forward, mindful that Madrid rarely hesitate when presented with top-level talent.

For now, Vitinha remains central to PSG’s plans, but the next 12 months are likely to test both their resolve and Liverpool’s appetite for another statement addition.