Vinícius Júnior’s Contract Renewal Prospects Shift Following Xabi Alonso’s Departure

Xabi Alonso’s recent departure as coach of Real Madrid has notably impacted the situation regarding Vinícius Júnior’s potential contract renewal, according to multiple sources reported by ESPN. Alonso was considered a significant obstacle in the negotiations for the star forward’s new deal.

Vinícius Júnior’s current contract with Real Madrid is set to expire in June 2027, and discussions about a renewal have been stagnant since May.

Alonso left the club on Monday and was succeeded by Álvaro Arbeloa, following mounting pressure that culminated in Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final last weekend.

One source indicated to ESPN that had Alonso remained, the chances of a renewal for Vinícius would have been nearly nonexistent.

Álvaro Arbeloa has expressed admiration for Vinícius’s commitment, particularly highlighting his willingness to participate in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey loss against Albacete, even while other key players were rested.

Despite Alonso’s departure, a significant hurdle remains in the form of a considerable gap between Vinícius’s salary expectations and what the club is prepared to offer. Currently, Vinícius earns approximately €17 million ($19.75 million) net per year.

In previous meetings in May 2025, Real Madrid proposed an offer of around €20 million. However, negotiations stalled due to Vinícius’s request for an additional €10 million in bonuses for him to sign the contract.

ESPN has reported that those close to Vinícius believe negotiations will not progress until after the 2026 World Cup, which would see him enter the final year of his current contract.

Nonetheless, sources indicate that Alonso’s exit has shifted the atmosphere, and Real Madrid is now expected to make an effort to restart discussions.

Vinícius’s representatives assert that the club is nearing its maximum wage capacity, making it challenging to enhance their offer of €20 million net per season. However, they believe there is potential for improvement through performance-related bonuses, similarly to how Kylian Mbappé was persuaded to join from Paris Saint-Germain.

Various sources have noted a consensus that Alonso had become a detrimental factor in the negotiations due to his managerial choices. Vinícius was a guaranteed starter under Alonso’s predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, but his relationship with Alonso became strained early in the latter’s tenure.

Reports suggest that Alonso initially planned to bench Vinícius during Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, only altering his decision due to an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

During Alonso’s stewardship, Vinícius participated in 33 matches, finishing only nine, with four of those as a substitute. One notable incident occurred during the Clásico against Barcelona in October, where Vinícius expressed his frustration after being substituted. Although he later issued a public apology without directly addressing his coach, it highlighted the tension in their relationship.

In subsequent weeks, despite Alonso’s public displays of support and gestures of camaraderie, their rapport remained strictly professional, according to sources.

Following Alonso’s dismissal, Vinícius was one of the few players who did not post a farewell message on social media. This season, he has faced challenges in form, contributing six goals and seven assists for the club.