The standoff between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior shows no sign of easing, with contract negotiations hitting a wall over the summer.
Both parties had been expected to agree on a new deal, but shifting demands from the player’s camp have thrown those plans off course.
Real Madrid ready to lose Vinicius Junior
Last season, Vinicius began as Madrid’s leading man but finished in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe, who quickly became the focal point of their attack.
As speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia grew, talks over an extension gathered pace. By spring, reports even suggested an agreement was close.
However, his representatives have since raised the stakes, pushing for a salary higher than Mbappe’s, or at the very least on par once bonuses are included.
According to El Chiringuito, Real Madrid are standing firm. The club have made it clear they will not bow to those demands, even if it means allowing the Brazilian forward to eventually leave on a free transfer. His request is understood to be around €25 million a year.
Meanwhile, Cadena SER (via MD) reports that both sides have agreed to put discussions on hold for now, choosing to focus on performances on the pitch with the new season underway. Fresh talks are not expected until the end of the year.
Vinicius still has two years remaining on his current deal, but delaying negotiations brings risk. Come next summer, the 25-year-old would have significant leverage if he decides to run his contract down.
Real Madrid, though, have built a reputation for being shrewd operators in the transfer market, making it unlikely they would allow such a valuable asset to walk away for nothing.
Still, postponing discussions does leave Los Blancos in a far more precarious position than they might have wished. In the meantime, club icon Pedja Mijatovic has stirred debate in Spain after urging his former club to part ways with Vinicius Junior, despite the Brazilian’s strong cameo performance last weekend.