The window of opportunity when it came to signing a player of Vitinha’s potential was, for a club of Southampton’s means, always likely to be a small one.
When the Saints were linked for the first time back in May, via Record, the Braga striker was just still relatively new to the gossip columns, despite scoring 14 times during a breakthrough 2021/22 campaign at the Portuguese outfit.
Six months on, Vitinha’s reputation is rising as rapidly as his goal’s tally. In just 20 games, the Portugal U21 international has nine goals and five assists this season. There is certainly no ‘second season syndrome’ here.
“He’s very good at attacking space,” former Braga boss Carlos Carvalhal said of Vitinha, shortly before he announced himself on the continental stage with a 36-minute Europa League hat-trick againt Union Berlin.
“He finishes spectacularly with his right foot, he’s strong with his left foot, and he’s got a lot of ability with his head. If he continues to evolve like this, he can aspire to reach the (Portuguese) national team.”
Will Southampton target Vitinha end up at Newcastle United?
Now, Southampton haven’t given up hope of luring Vitinha to St Mary’s just yet. According to O Jogo, a side now under the stewardship of Nathan Jones plan to scout the 22-year-old poacher in action for Portugal’s U21s this month. But they’re not alone.
Brentford and Stuttgart are also keeping tabs on Vitinha. The biggest obstacle facing Southampton, however, comes from Newcastle United; one of the richest and most ambitious clubs on the continent, and one Southampton cannot realistically compete with, financially-speaking.
Southampton’s current record signing, Danny Ings, cost £22 million. Newcastle, in contrast, have paid more than that for four different players over the last 12 months alone; Chris Wood, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and the £60 million Alexander Isak.
Vitinha has a £25 million release clause in his contract. Southampton, then, have no real choice but to stump up a club-record sum if they are seriousa bout Vitinha. But do not rule out Newcastle going above and beyond in an attempt to ward off rival suitors. The Magpies are reportedly offering £12 million for Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone, despite a £9 million clause in the teenager’s contract. Newcastle, clearly, are more than happy to put their money where their mouth is.
Are Southampton totally out of the race for Vitinha? No. Are they facing a more difficult task now compared to six months ago, with Newcastle United in the race? Most definitely.
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