Vinicius Jr.’s Contract Renewal: A Turning Point for Real Madrid

The contract renewal saga surrounding Vinicius Jr. has emerged as a significant narrative off the pitch for Real Madrid this season. Currently, the Brazilian winger is under contract until June 30, 2027. Discussions regarding his renewal initially stalled two years ago when the club proposed a salary of approximately €20 million (£17m/$22m) per season, a figure he perceived as undervaluing his potential at a time when he was seen internally as a cornerstone of the club’s future.

In 2023, with the departure of Karim Benzema and Jude Bellingham just beginning his tenure at Madrid, Vinicius felt justified in seeking compensation that reflected his role as a key attacking player. His representatives argued for a salary closer to €30 million (£25m/$33m), aiming to place him on par with Kylian Mbappé, who has a current package that amounts to €23 million (£19m/$25m) net annually, inclusive of bonuses. Although negotiations continued into the current season, tangible progress proved elusive.

A major setback occurred when reports suggested that Vinicius had communicated to the club his unwillingness to sign an extension due to ongoing tensions with coach Xabi Alonso. The winger’s frustrations heightened as he faced repeated substitutions, was frequently omitted from starting lineups, and completed a full match only four times throughout the season. These factors, alongside Madrid’s decline in form, led to a standstill in contract discussions until a recent shift in dynamics occurred following events in Greece.

Spanish media indicated that the discord between Vinicius and Alonso represented a broader discontent within the squad. Reports from COPE indicated that six players—Vinicius, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy—expressed dissatisfaction with the coach’s tactical decisions and substitutions. Vinicius, regarded as a focal point of the unrest, felt that his influence had been diminished, and being sidelined from vital starting lineups only exacerbated his frustration. In contrast, key figures in the squad, including Mbappé, Thibaut Courtois, Arda Güler, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras, reportedly supported Alonso.

The tension reached a climax during the recent Clasico, where Vinicius reacted vehemently to being substituted. Although he issued a written apology shortly after, he notably omitted Alonso’s name, which further fueled perceptions of a fractured relationship. However, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Vinicius later made personal apologies to both staff and teammates. Following Real Madrid’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Olympiacos in Greece, Vinicius approached Alonso post-match, leading to a public embrace that signified a willingness to move forward and stabilize their rapport.

The change in atmosphere off the pitch has coincided with renewed discussions regarding Vinicius’s financial contract. Currently earning €15 million gross per season, he had initially aimed to match or exceed Mbappé’s earnings. However, Mundo Deportivo now suggests that he is prepared to accept terms significantly lower than his initial €30 million target.

This readiness to compromise is influenced by several factors: his form has dipped, netting just 11 goals in his last 40 league and Champions League appearances, thereby diminishing his negotiating leverage. Additionally, there have been no substantial approaches from other major European clubs, despite speculative links to Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, which has further softened his negotiating stance. Furthermore, there is a growing recognition within his camp that Madrid remains the club best positioned to maximize his long-term potential and support his aspirations for the Ballon d’Or. Most critically, the recently improved relationship with Alonso has alleviated one of the key emotional barriers to finalizing a new deal.

These developments represent the first significant progress in over two years of stalled negotiations. Both the player and the club are now viewed as being aligned again, with optimism on both sides about reaching a final agreement in the coming months. This moment is pivotal, as Vinicius would be eligible to negotiate with other clubs starting January 2027, once he enters the final six months of his current contract—a scenario that Real Madrid is keen to avoid.

As he enters a crucial phase—comprising the final 18 months of his contract—this period is vital for Vinicius’s career at Madrid. His market value will likely decrease with each passing month unless a renewal is secured. The club desires clarity before the summer transfer window opens in 2026, while the player seeks assurances regarding his role and long-term fit within the team’s project.

On the pitch, Vinicius still has the opportunity to reverse his recent decline and re-establish himself as a pivotal figure alongside Mbappé and Bellingham. Off the pitch, Real Madrid anticipates an acceleration in discussions before the season concludes, with both parties confident that a mutually agreeable solution can be achieved. All eyes are now fixed on the negotiation table, where Vinicius Jr.’s future at the Bernabéu is set to be determined.