Real Madrid target Atletico Mineiro teenager as Brighton prepare €14m bid

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

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Real Madrid have been following Vitao closely. Brighton are expected to make the first formal approach during the upcoming winter transfer window.

Brighton are understood to be preparing an offer of €14m for the centre-back. That figure is below the €20m release clause in Vitao’s contract for foreign clubs.

Atletico Mineiro own 80% of the player’s economic rights. The remaining 20% is divided between Vitao and his agents, Lincoln and Adriano Spadoto.

The Belo Horizonte-based club have tried to negotiate a new contract that would improve Vitao’s salary and increase his release clause. However, talks have made no progress in recent weeks.

Vitao is currently 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 and standing 1.93m tall, Vitao came through Atletico Mineiro’s academy and has been captain since the under-15 level.

He led the side that won the Brazilian Under-17 Championship in 2025, having also helped Brazil win the South American Under-17 Championship that year.

Vitao made his senior debut at the age of 17 before eventually securing a regular place in Eduardo Dominguez’s starting line-up.

One of his standout performances came in a goalless draw against Internacional at Beira-Rio in August. The defender impressed with his strength in aerial battles and his ability to start attacks from the back.

He is currently with Brazil Under-20s during the international break, taking part in the team’s training camp.

Sport also reported that Vitao’s performances and statistics have attracted praise from members of Carlo Ancelotti’s staff with the Brazil senior team.

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