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.
Amber Brewer
September 24, 2025 AT 20:42Vinicius' current net earnings sit around €17 million, so the jump to €30 million would be a roughly 76% increase. The club’s salary cap sits at €20 million for a single player, meaning any raise pushes the whole wage structure higher. Real Madrid has already splurged on midfield and defensive upgrades, so fitting another €10 million on top gets tricky. From a financial fair‑play perspective, the €10 million gap could force the club to offload a squad member or renegotiate other contracts. If the player holds out for the full package, the risk of a free‑move in 2027 grows sharply.
Kim Coulter
September 28, 2025 AT 14:23When a nation watches its prodigy grapple with a contract, it mirrors a broader struggle of identity and pride. Brazil birthed a player whose flair defies rigid systems, yet here he is being boxed into a 4‑3‑3 that values discipline over dazzle. The clash isn’t merely tactical; it’s a contest between the spirit of samba and the cold calculus of euros. If the club refuses to honor his worth, the talent may seek a stage where his style is celebrated, not suppressed. In that sense, the standoff becomes a micro‑cosm of cultural preservation versus commercial conformity.
Michelle Toale-Burke
October 2, 2025 AT 08:04Wow, the drama feels like a soap opera 😱💥
Amy Paradise
October 6, 2025 AT 01:45Honestly, the wage ceiling the club set is a real pain point. They’re trying to keep the roster balanced, but Vinicius is a massive brand and also a key player on the pitch. If they let him walk, they lose both marketing clout and on‑field production. On the other hand, cash‑strapped clubs have to make hard choices, so maybe a performance‑based add‑on could be a compromise. Either way, a resolution before the summer window would keep the locker room calm.
Janette Cybulski
October 9, 2025 AT 19:26It’s easy to feel for Vinicius; being benched when you thrive on freedom hurts. At the same time, Alonso wants a disciplined unit to chase titles, and that’s understandable. A middle ground could be a clause that rewards minutes played, letting the player earn more if the coach trusts him. That way, the contract reflects both performance and loyalty. Hopefully both sides can see the bigger picture and avoid a bitter split.
Mildred Alonzo
October 13, 2025 AT 13:07The club caps the salary at twenty million euros per year. This is the top of their wage structure after recent signings. Vinicius currently earns seventeen million net. The player seeks a thirty‑million package. If the club refuses, the player may look elsewhere. A free‑move in 2027 is a real possibility.