Real Madrid have opened negotiations with Vinicius Junior over a new contract — but the first renewal offer has been rejected by the player and his camp.
The Brazil international’s current terms were signed in 2022, announced in 2023 and run through to 2027 — and include a €1billion ($1.03bn; £830m) release clause.
The 24-year-old was linked with a move abroad during the summer transfer window and The Athletic reported in August 2024 that his representatives had held discussions over a possible move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
Madrid showed a willingness then for a renewal, but the player’s side preferred to wait for the season to progress and even end before negotiating. Saudi representatives made new contact with the player’s camp in December and expressed that Vinicius Jr remains a target for the summer.
Vinicius Jr and his representatives are looking for an increase in compensation to more accurately reflect his position as one of the world’s best players. His current annual salary is around €15m net of tax, after achieving various bonuses including winning the FIFA Best men’s player of the award.
Team-mate Kylian Mbappe earns around €15m net each year but joined with a signing bonus after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer.
At a request from the club, a meeting was held at Valdebebas in mid-January between members of the Madrid board and Vinicius Jr’s camp as well as a member of the player’s family. The initial proposal from the club, which included an increase in salary, was rejected with talks expected to continue.
Vinicius Jr signed for Madrid for a fee of €45m from Brazilian club Flamengo in 2018.
Since then he has spoken of his desire to win the Ballon d’Or while at the club. In October he was overlooked for the award in favour of Manchester City midfielder Rodri before he turned the tables on the Spain international to win the FIFA Best award in December.
Earlier in October, he had indicated he wanted to stay at Madrid “forever.”
“I’m still only 24,” Vinicius Jr said after the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund. “I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived here.”
Vinicius Jr has made 293 appearances for Madrid, scoring 101 goals and adding 83 assists.
During that time he has won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and two FIFA Club World Cups.
This season he has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions while laying on 10 assists.
(Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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