Luis Enrique has made a decision that few expected. When everything pointed to Paris Saint-Germain wanting to make a statement with a high-profile signing, the Asturian coach halted the operation. The name of Vinícius Júnior had been linked as a priority target, but he doesn’t fully convince the coach.

At the Parc des Princes, they are looking for solutions amid the uncertainty surrounding Ousmane Dembélé. His future isn’t completely assured and the club needs to have an alternative plan. However, Luis Enrique doesn’t want to be carried away by the impact of the name, but by the real tactical fit within his system.

Doubts about Vinícius
Vinícius is imbalance, speed, and the ability to decide matches in seconds. Nobody questions his talent, but the Asturian coach analyzes more than just the spectacular side. He is particularly concerned about his defensive involvement and his adaptation to a model that requires constant collective work.

Real Madrid player in a white jersey pointing with an outstretched arm during a match
Vinícius’s contract renewal, closer and closer | Getty Images
In addition, at Real Madrid they are working to strengthen his continuity and improve his contractual situation. That stability makes any move more difficult and reinforces the feeling that the operation would be complex both in sporting and financial terms.

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Rodrygo enters the picture
Meanwhile, as the interest in Vinícius cools, another name gains strength: Rodrygo. The Brazilian isn’t going through his most comfortable spell at the white club. The competition in attack and the lack of continuity have created doubts about his medium-term role.

For Luis Enrique, his profile fits better with the idea that he wants to develop. He is a footballer who is capable of playing in several attacking positions, with mobility, associative ability, and a greater willingness to work collectively. In that sense, he sees him as a more natural replacement if a change in the Parisian forward line finally takes place.

A move that can change the market
The possible interest in Rodrygo isn’t just a sporting alternative, it’s also a strategic move. If the player values a new challenge and Madrid agrees to listen to offers, PSG could strengthen itself without entering into a direct battle for its most high-profile star.

Luis Enrique has made it clear that his priority isn’t the loudest signing, but the one that is most coherent with his project. In that analysis, today the focus isn’t on Vinícius, but on a profile that he considers more balanced and functional for his team.