This news comes at a critical juncture for Real Madrid. Vinicius's current deal runs until 2027, but the club had been pushing for an extension to tie him down long-term amid interest from Premier League giants Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. The Athletic's sources indicate that Madrid had proposed a weekly salary of €20 million – making him one of the highest-paid players at the club – along with performance bonuses and a €1 billion release clause.
The Meeting: What Went Down
According to insiders close to the negotiations, the meeting was cordial but firm. Vinicius, who joined Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 for €45 million, expressed his "full commitment" to the club but emphasized the importance of assessing the team's performance in the ongoing Champions League and La Liga campaigns. "Vini loves Madrid and sees his future here," one source told The Athletic, "but he wants assurances that the club is building around him and the young core."
Pérez, known for his hardball tactics, is said to be "disappointed but understanding." The president views Vinicius as the heir to the Galáctico legacy, especially after Kylian Mbappé's arrival has added another superstar to the attack. However, the delay has sparked internal debate about squad balance and whether the club's heavy reliance on Vinicius for creativity – particularly with Jude Bellingham sidelined by injury – is sustainable.
Vinicius Jr's Season: The Form That Fuels the Debate
Vinicius has been nothing short of sensational in 2025/26. His blistering pace, dribbling wizardry, and end-product have elevated Real Madrid's attack to new heights. Highlights include a hat-trick in El Clásico against Barcelona (October 26) and a stunning solo goal against Manchester City in the Champions League (November 5) that went viral with over 50 million views on X (formerly Twitter). He has 12 goals and 8 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, helping Madrid remain unbeaten in La Liga and top their UCL group.
Yet, Vinicius has hinted at frustrations in recent interviews. Speaking to Globo Esporte after the City win, he said, "I love Madrid, but I want to win everything here – if we do, there's no reason to leave. But I need the team to build around us young players." The report suggests he wants guarantees on squad investment, particularly in midfield and defence, to complement his and Bellingham's attacking flair.
Real Madrid's Position: Pérez's High-Stakes Gamble
Florentino Pérez has made no secret of his desire to build around Vinicius as the face of Madrid's next decade. The club rejected a €150 million bid from Manchester City in the summer, valuing him at over €200 million. A new deal would include a release clause of €1 billion and bonuses tied to Ballon d'Or contention – making him the highest-paid player at the club ahead of Mbappé.
However, Pérez's track record with young stars is mixed. Mbappé's arrival has overshadowed Vinicius somewhat, and Bellingham's emergence has split the attacking load. Sources close to the club indicate Pérez is "confident" Vinicius will sign once Madrid lifts silverware this season, but the delay has sparked concern among the board about potential interest from PSG, who see him as their Mbappé replacement.
Fan Reaction: Social Media Erupts
X (formerly Twitter) is ablaze. #ViniciusStay is trending worldwide with over 2 million posts, while #ViniOut has gained traction among frustrated Madridistas blaming Pérez for not securing the deal earlier. Former teammate Karim Benzema tweeted: "Vini is Madrid – the club needs him more than he needs them. Florentino, make it happen."
Brazilian media is in overdrive, with Globo Esporte speculating a potential January move if Madrid falters in the UCL. Vinicius's agent, who also represents Bellingham, has remained silent, but the silence speaks volumes.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Madrid and Vinicius
For Real Madrid, this is a rare moment of vulnerability. Vinicius is not just a player – he's the emotional core of Ancelotti's team, the one who dances after goals, rallies the squad during slumps, and embodies the club's Galáctico spirit. Losing him would be catastrophic, especially with Mbappé still adapting to the Spanish game and Bellingham nursing a hamstring injury. The board fears a domino effect: if Vinicius leaves, Bellingham could follow, unraveling the young core Pérez has invested €400 million in.
For Vinicius, it's a calculated power play. At 25, he's at his peak and knows his market value has never been higher. The Premier League's financial muscle and PSG's Qatari backing are tempting, but Madrid's prestige, Champions League pedigree, and the chance to build a legacy alongside Mbappé are hard to beat. The Athletic's sources suggest he's "90% committed" but wants assurances on the club's direction under Pérez, particularly in squad investment to support the young attackers.
Potential Outcomes: January Window Looms Large
The January transfer window could be pivotal. If Madrid stumbles in the Champions League or the La Liga title race, Vinicius might push for a move to a club that can guarantee immediate trophies. If they win both domestic cups and advance deep in Europe, Pérez gets his extension, and the saga ends happily.
Whispers from the Bernabéu suggest Pérez is preparing a "take it or leave it" offer – €25 million per week plus a €1.5 billion release clause. But with Manchester City reportedly ready to bid €250 million in the summer, the clock is ticking.
The Global Reaction: Fans, Pundits, and Rivals Weigh In
The news has dominated football discourse. Gary Neville on Sky Sports: "Vinicius is Madrid's soul – Pérez needs to fix this fast or they lose the next decade." Rio Ferdinand added, "Vini wants to be the face of Madrid, not the sidekick to Mbappé – that's the real issue."
In Brazil, the reaction is mixed. Globo Esporte ran the headline "Vini Wants More – Is Madrid Enough?" while fans on X rally with #ViniEsBlanco (Vinicius is White). PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has remained silent, but his smile in recent interviews speaks volumes.
Madrid fans are divided: some praise Vinicius for his ambition, others blame Pérez for not securing the deal sooner. A poll on Marca showed 68% believe he stays, but 32% fear a summer exit.
What Happens Next: The Timeline
- December 2025: Madrid face PSG in the Champions League round of 16. A deep run could sway Vinicius.
- January 2026: Transfer window opens – City and PSG could test Madrid's resolve with bids.
- June 2026: World Cup in the US/Canada – Vinicius's performance could dictate his leverage.
- July 2026: If no extension, his contract enters the final year – Madrid's hand is forced.
This story has legs – and it could define Real Madrid's next decade. Will Vinicius sign the extension and become the new face of the Galácticos? Or is this the beginning of the end for one of the club's most important players?
What do you think? Is Vinicius staying or going? Will Pérez give in to his demands? Drop your take in the comments – I reply to every one!
Disclaimer: Based on The Athletic report, November 22, 2025. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Post a Comment