Transferred for 32 million euros this winter, Vitinha had a difficult start at OM. A problem of adaptation, said its defenders. However, his Euro Espoirs with Portugal shattered this theory.
In six months, a Portuguese star has become a ghost and an ambitious transfer has turned into money thrown out the window. The transfer of Vitinha for 32 million euros to OM remains an insoluble enigma for supporters and observers. It must be said that with only two goals scored in Marseille colors, the former Braga striker did not leave his mark on Ligue 1. To put his difficult beginnings into perspective, we can highlight the complicated adaptation to his new championship and his new country. A hostile environment that the difficult Igor Tudor did not help to make easier. The most optimistic even predict a rapid improvement for Vitinha, who will have a major role to play at OM next season.
A catastrophic Euro Espoirs for Vitinha
Selected with Portugal at the Euro Espoirs, the Marseille striker had the opportunity to recover his health and show his qualities to all of Europe. He largely missed his shot. His record is starving: no goals, no assists, almost 50 minutes played in all in two of the four Portuguese games. Opening starter against Georgia, Vitinha was taken out at halftime in this first match and then disappeared from the radar. He only returned to the field for the last seconds of the quarter-final against England on Sunday evening.
🇵🇹 I’ve defended him since his arrival at OM, but Vitinha’s Euro Espoirs (2000) will have been a disaster. 2023, a very complicated year.
• Georgia: 45 min, 12 balls, 5 ball losses and exit at half-time
• Netherlands: bench
• Belgium: bench
• England: 1 min— EspoirsduFootball (@EspoirsduFootball) July 2, 2023
A damning observation which reinforces the legitimate concerns of Marseille supporters. The specter of an industrial disaster, with a transfer largely overpaid, is increasingly visible. Fortunately, OM changed coaches this summer. With Marcelino and his collective game more focused on the use of the ball, Vitinha may have enough to revive and forget the collaboration with Igor Tudor. It will be necessary for OM, on the bridge from July in the European Cup while the Portuguese is the only leading striker guaranteed to stay on the Canebière at the end of the transfer window.
