Contract stalemate deepens
Real Madrid find themselves in a tricky spot as talks over the Vinicius Jr contract dead‑locked over a €10 million gap. The 25‑year‑old’s agents, Fred Pena and Thássilo Soares, entered negotiations in February hoping to lock in €20 million a season plus €10 million in performance bonuses – a package that could push earnings to €30 million yearly. Madrid’s counteroffer caps the deal at a fixed €20 million per year, with no extra clauses.
Vinicius currently brings in roughly €17 million net, bonuses included. From his side, the jump to €30 million feels justified for a three‑year extension that would keep him at the Bernabéu until 2030. The club, however, says that a €20 million salary already sits at the top of its wage structure, especially after recent spending sprees on midfield and defensive signings.
The existing contract runs out in June 2027, giving both parties a breathing window but also a looming deadline. With the season half‑way through, neither side seems ready to compromise. Sources close to the negotiations say the next round of talks may not happen until the summer of 2026, effectively leaving Vinicius on a short‑term deal for the rest of the campaign.
Coach‑player clash under Alonso
Adding a layer of drama, Xabi Alonso’s arrival as head coach has reshaped how the Brazilian is used on the pitch. Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti last month, prefers a more structured approach, often deploying a 4‑3‑3 that leans on disciplined wing‑backs rather than the free‑flowing dribblers Ancelotti favored. Vinicius, whose game thrives on spontaneity, has seen his minutes dip, and rumors suggest the Dutchman contemplated benching him for the Club World Cup semi‑final against PSG.
That plan was only averted when Trent Alexander‑Arnold withdrew from the squad due to injury, forcing the coach’s hand. The tension boiled over in a recent La Liga match against Espanyol, where Vinicius was subbed off in the second half and reacted angrily on the bench. Teammates and staff noted the incident, and media outlets quickly linked the outburst to Alonso’s growing impatience.
Insiders report that the winger feels sidelined and believes his contributions are being undervalued, especially after a season where he recorded 12 goals and five assists. Meanwhile, Alonso argues that tactical discipline is essential for the team’s broader ambitions, including a push for the league title and a deep Champions League run.
The frayed relationship has spilled over into the contract dialogue. Madrid’s sporting director, Luis de Cabrera, is said to be wary of extending a player who appears discontented with the coach’s plans. Vinicius’s camp, on the other hand, insists that a financial upgrade would signal the club’s commitment to keeping him central to future projects.
Beyond the Bernabéu, interest from Saudi Pro League clubs has surged since the Saudi clubs announced massive budgets earlier this year. Those suitors are reportedly ready to meet or exceed the €30 million demand, which only intensifies the pressure on Madrid to act. A potential free‑move in 2027 also looms, as Vinicius could walk away without a transfer fee if talks stall.
As the 2025‑26 season unfolds, Real Madrid must juggle a delicate balancing act: retain one of its most marketable assets, manage a high‑profile salary dispute, and keep the locker‑room harmony under a new coaching regime. For Vinicius, the next few months will test his patience, adaptability, and willingness to align with Alonso’s vision. The outcome will shape not just his personal legacy but also the club’s strategy heading into the next transfer window.
