Brazil international has been linked with a move back to his boyhood club
Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid are yet to reach an agreement over a contract extension for the Brazilian.
The 25-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027 and Madrid had been hoping to secure an early extension, opening talks as early as 2025. Those discussions have now stalled and may likely not be resumed until after the World Cup, when the Brazilian enters the final year of his deal at Madrid.
There have been several contentious points, including financial demands as well as his dissatisfaction with his role under former manager Xabi Alonso. An exit remains a possibility and the Brazil international has been linked with a move to several sides, including Flamengo, the club he left for Madrid for a reported €45m in 2018.
“Vini is not a possibility for Flamengo,” club president Luiz Eduardo Baptista clarified. “I’m sure that if there were a transfer involving Vinicius Junior, it would be a transfer with a salary, at current values, far higher than what we considered for Paqueta.
“And that possibility doesn’t exist. He’s still not within Flamengo’s reach. Not yet. Flamengo can’t yet.
“Vinicius will always be welcome when he comes to Brazil. We love Vini, but he wants to stay in Europe.”
Last month, Flamengo re-signed former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta for a €42m fee, after the Brazilian became disillusioned with life in England and the English Football Association.
Lucas Paquetá will wear #20 for Flamengo, the same number Vinicius Jr wore in his early days at Flamengo 🔴⚫️🇧🇷
An amazing tribute to Vini, who has already given his seal of approval! 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/4DbH7ydtZ1
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) January 31, 2026
It was the most expensive transfer for a player heading to South America. But Baptista said Vinicius’ case was entirely different.
“Paqueta and Vinicius are at different points in their lives,” said Baptista. “Paqueta has someone waiting for him at home every day [in Brazil]. He has a family. Vinicius has no one waiting for him at home.”
