Stalemate in Vinícius Júnior’s contract negotiations with Real Madrid
Conversations to renew Vinícius Júnior’s contract with Real Madrid have stalled for weeks. Sources close to the Brazilian player indicate that the club’s latest offer does not meet expectations.
Vinícius, currently under contract until June 2027, earns around 17 million euros net per season, including bonuses.
In May, the parties seemed to be getting closer, but negotiations have not progressed. The striker’s entourage was aiming for a fixed salary of 20 million euros per year, with variables that could raise the figure to 30 million.
However, the club’s latest proposal stands at 20 million euros, excluding an additional 10 million in bonuses. The player’s representatives believe the increase is insufficient and does not justify an extension until 2030.
Faced with this situation, Vinícius’ agents, Fred Pena and Thássilo Soares, have decided to wait and assess the development of the 2025-26 season. They will closely monitor coach Xabi Alonso’s plans for the Brazilian before making a decision.
Sources indicate that Alonso considered leaving Vinícius on the bench in the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain in July. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s last-minute absence forced a change of plans.
Federico Valverde was repositioned as a right-back, and Vinícius maintained his place in the starting eleven alongside Gonzalo García and Kylian Mbappé.
Real Madrid initiated conversations to renew the player’s contract in February, even though he still had two years left on his contract. This decision was made in light of the interest shown by the Saudi Pro League.
However, Saudi interest has cooled. There has been no contact with the Saudis since December, and Vinícius’ representatives have ruled out that possibility.
There is concern in Vinícius’s environment about the Spanish media pressure and the impact that negotiations could have on public opinion about the player.
Vinícius was the runner-up in the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or ranking and won the FIFA The Best Men’s Player award that same year. However, he had an irregular season in 2024-25, scoring 11 goals in 30 LaLiga matches, and Real Madrid ended the campaign without winning any major titles.
