Lack of progress means the club could enter the final 12 months of the player’s deal without clarity over his future
Contract talks between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior have failed to progress and there is now a possibility that discussions could be put on hold until after the 2026 World Cup.
Vinicius is under contract at the club until 2027, but he has told senior figures he will not sign a renewal while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains sour. The lack of progress means the club could eventually enter the final 12 months of his deal without clarity over his future.
Vinicius’ relationship with Alonso became strained because the player felt he was not getting as many minutes as he deserved, either starting on the bench or being substituted in the second half.
Alonso has said this is simply rotation but the Brazilian feels he is being treated unfairly. Things came to a head when he reacted angrily when substituted during the high-profile clásico in October. He later issued a public apology on social media but mentioned key figures at the club except the coach.
Madrid opened contract talks with Vinicius in February 2025, two years ahead of the expiration, and by late spring, both sides believed they were close to a deal.
However, talks eventually stalled due to disagreements over wages, with the player’s side eager to secure a substantial boost that would bring him closer to what Kylian Mbappe is currently earning, and even what Cristiano Ronaldo earned during his time at the club. The breakdown in relationship with Alonso has only further complicated matters.
Madrid are still positive that an agreement can be reached, but it will now take much longer than they were hoping would be the case, particularly with clubs in the Saudi Pro League lurking in the background with potentially tempting offers.
