Real Madrid has signed Vinicius Tobias from Shakhtar Donetsk during FIFA's special winter transfer window, which was established in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 18-year-old Brazilian full back will join on loan until the end of the season and for the 2022-23 season, with a €18 million purchase option built into the contract. Tobias will initially be registered with Castilla, as the reserves have two squad spots available and do not have a non-EU player limit. The defender, who was also a target for Atlético Madrid, will not be able to play for the senior side in LaLiga this season because Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Militao have already filled the non-EU quota of three players.

Tobias, on the other hand, can register for the Champions League because UEFA, in accordance with FIFA regulations, has allowed new players from Russia and Ukraine to register until April 1st.

After joining Shakhtar from Internacional Porto Alegre in January, Tobias, Real Madrid's only winter signing this season, has yet to make an official senior appearance for the Ukrainian club. Before the Russian invasion halted all football activity in the country, he did play in six friendlies for the club. He has also been capped six times by Brazil's junior teams.

The special FIFA window for foreign players at Russian and Ukrainian clubs opened on March 7 and will close on April 7, with each club allowed to sign a maximum of two players through this measure.