 "Vinicius Junior’s current deal with Real Madrid ends in June 2027. Image: Reuters")
Real Madrid have reportedly made a major breakthrough in the contract negotiations with star footballer Vinicius Junior, as the Brazilian has finally agreed to sign a new deal. This is a big U-turn from one of the biggest footballing stars and FIFA’s Best Men’s Player for 2024, Vinicius, who was unwilling to sign a new deal with Real Madrid unless his initial demands were met.
Vinicius’ contract with Real ends in June 2027. The Brazilian winger had been at Los Blancos since 2018, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. He currently earns €18 million per season at the Spanish giants, but wanted the salary to rise to €30 million per season, including performance bonuses and a renewal bonus.
Vinicius set to sign new deal with Real Madrid
But Real Madrid are not willing to match his demands, with the club offering him a €20 million per season deal. As a result, Vinicius had been stalling the contract negotiations.
Another stumbling block has been his poor relationship with manager Xabi Alonso. Vinicius has started a few games from the bench under Alonso. The manager substituting him in some games has also not gone down well with the winger.
On being subbed off during the El Clásico last month, the 25-year-old Vinicius did not hide his anger as he ignored the manager while walking straight down to the dressing room.
However, the pair was recently seen hugging each other after a 4-3 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“His performance has been great. I’m very happy with Vini. It hurts that his goal got disallowed, we prepared that one and he deserved to score,” Xabi had said about Vinicius after the match.
Amid changing scenes, Mundo Deportivo in Spain has reported that Vinicius has agreed to accept a new deal with lower wages. According to the newspaper, Vinicius could now settle for a €23 million per season deal, the same as Kylian Mbappe.
The report further added that Vinicius also recently “reconciled face-to-face with Xavi Alonso" after his EL Clásico outrage.
Now Real Madrid would try to quickly finalise the deal before Vinicius becomes free to listen to new offers from 1 January, 2027.