Vinícius Júnior’s Contract Negotiations with Real Madrid Hit a Snag

Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid: A Renewal Stuck in Limbo

For years, **Vinícius Júnior** has been the beating heart of Real Madrid’s attack—fearless, electric, and destined to carry the torch in a post-Benzema era. But now, as the club looks to secure his future, the conversation has hit a wall.

Talks over a new contract have **stalled for weeks**, sources told *ESPN*, with the Brazilian’s camp unconvinced by Madrid’s latest offer.

Vinícius, 25, is already tied to Los Blancos until **June 2027**, earning around **€17 million net per year including bonuses**. But his representatives—Fred Pena and Thássilo Soares—believe their client deserves more, not just for what he’s achieved, but for the status he holds within world football.

The Numbers Game

In May, there was hope. The two sides had narrowed their differences, with Vinícius’ camp pushing for a **€20 million base salary** plus bonuses that could take him up to **€30 million per season**. Real’s final counter? **€20 million flat, no extras.**

For Vinícius’ team, that wasn’t enough to justify tacking **three more years** onto a contract that already runs long. Instead of rushing, they’ve chosen to wait—keeping a close eye on **Xabi Alonso’s plans** for the forward this season before committing to anything beyond 2027.

A Question of Trust

Alonso’s vision may play a decisive role. According to multiple sources, the coach even considered **benching Vinícius** for Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal against PSG in July, planning to go with a two-forward setup. Only a last-minute injury to **Trent Alexander-Arnold** forced a reshuffle, and Vinícius kept his starting spot alongside **Gonzalo García** and **Kylian Mbappé**.

For a player who finished **runner-up in the Ballon d’Or** and won **FIFA’s The Best award in 2024**, such uncertainty about his place in the lineup sends mixed signals.

### 🌍 No Saudi Temptation

Madrid accelerated negotiations earlier this year after Saudi Pro League interest surfaced. But that avenue has since **gone cold**. There’s been no contact since December, and Vinícius’ agents have ruled out a move there entirely.

The real pressure, they fear, may come from **Spanish media scrutiny**—coverage that could shape public opinion and weigh heavily on the player as talks drag on.

### 🏆 A Star at a Crossroads

Last season didn’t help his case. Vinícius delivered just **11 goals in 30 LaLiga appearances**, and Madrid finished without a major trophy. For some, it was a dip. For others, a reminder that his ceiling remains sky-high.

Now, his future hangs in the balance:

* Extend until **2030** on terms he feels undervalue him, or
* Hold steady, betting on his performances this season to strengthen his hand.

For Real Madrid, the challenge is clear. They must decide whether to pay Vinícius not just as a star, but as **the star**—the man many still believe will define their next great era.

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Would you like me to reshape this into a **transfer/contract insider-style piece** (tight, business-like, for sports business readers) or a **fan-driven emotional version** (playing on loyalty, legacy, and his bond with Madridistas)?