Vinicius Jr Softens Stance: Real Madrid Star Nears Contract Renewal Despite Xabi Alonso Tension
After initially pushing for a massive pay increase, Vinicius Jr. is reportedly more open to signing a new contract with Real Madrid on less lucrative terms.
The Brazilian forward, who previously sought a salary on par with Kylian Mbappe, seems to be nearing an agreement with the club’s more moderate offer, a change that comes after recent disagreements with coach Xabi Alonso briefly jeopardized the talks.
Vinicius’ contract extension has been a major topic of discussion behind the scenes at Madrid this season.
His current deal expires in June 2027, and discussions initially hit a snag two years ago when the club proposed a yearly salary of approximately €20 million, a figure he considered insufficient given his perceived status as the club’s key player for the future.
In 2023, with Karim Benzema’s departure and Jude Bellingham’s arrival still fresh, the Brazilian felt he deserved a salary reflecting his importance as the team’s main attacking threat.
His representatives argued that he should earn closer to €30 million annually, similar to Mbappe’s compensation, which currently includes a net salary of €23 million plus potential bonuses.
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Negotiations have continued into the current season, but have seen limited advancement.
The situation took a real turn for the worse when accounts surfaced alleging Vinicius had told the club he wouldn’t agree to a new deal as long as his relationship with the manager, Alonso, remained so tense.
The young winger’s dissatisfaction increased due to frequent substitutions, being left out of the initial team selection, and only completing the entire match a handful of times that season.
This, coupled with a decline in the team’s overall performance, effectively halted all contract negotiations until events in Greece changed the overall atmosphere.
News from Spain indicated that the friction between Vinicius and Alonso represented a wider division within the team.
It was reported that several players, including Vinicius, Valverde, Rodrygo, Diaz, Endrick, and Mendy were dissatisfied with the manager’s strategies and player changes during games.
Tensions and disagreements involving Alonso, and to a lack of unity and potential conflicts within Real Madrid’s team
Vinicius, perceived as the leader of the discontent, believed his importance to the team had been reduced.
The irregular selection in significant games and inconsistent use only fueled his annoyance. In contrast, some key players within the team were reportedly strongly supporting Alonso.
The breaking point occurred during their most recent big rivalry match when the young player, aged 25, displayed frustration after being taken off the field.
He released a formal apology afterwards, but notably didn’t mention the coach by name. This oversight reinforced the idea that there was a problem in their professional connection.
However, sources indicate that the player subsequently offered a personal apology to the coaching team and his teammates.
Further, following a victory in Greece, the player immediately approached the coach after the final whistle, and they shared a hug in front of everyone. This gesture suggested a willingness to resolve issues and improve their working relationship.
This improved atmosphere behind the scenes has happened around the same time that discussions about his salary have restarted.
Currently, the player earns a substantial amount each year, and while his initial goal was to earn as much or more than another famous player, reports now suggest that he’s willing to consider a significantly lower salary than his original expectation.
His increased openness to finding common ground is driven by a number of developing circumstances.
A decline in his performance, evidenced by only 11 goals in his last 40 matches across the league and Champions League, has diminished his previous strong bargaining power.
Simultaneously, despite rumored interest from prominent teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, no significant European club has made a serious offer, further weakening his stance in negotiations.
Furthermore, his representatives are increasingly recognizing that Real Madrid offers the most promising environment for him to achieve his full potential over the long haul and sustain his aspirations for the Ballon d’Or.
Crucially, the strained relationship with Alonso seems to have improved following recent attempts at reconciliation, eliminating a major emotional barrier to agreeing to a new contract.
These recent advancements mark the first genuine progress in what has been a frustratingly stagnant negotiation period of over two years.
Both the athlete and the team are reportedly back on the same page, sharing a renewed sense of hope that a definitive accord can be reached in the near future.
This is also a critical juncture because the star player would be permitted to discuss terms with rival organizations starting in January 2027, the final half-year of his present agreement, a situation the Spanish giants are eager to prevent.
The South American talent now faces a significant period: the remaining year and a half of his current commitment and a defining chapter in his time with the Madrid-based club.
His worth will diminish progressively each month unless a new deal is secured. The organization desires a clear resolution before the summer transfer period begins in 2026; the star seeks guarantees regarding his importance to the squad and the team’s future goals.
Regarding his performance on the field, Vinicius Jr. still has a chance to overcome his recent dip in form and reclaim his position as a key and impactful player alongside stars like Mbappe and Bellingham.
Looking beyond the game, Real Madrid anticipates that contract talks will intensify in the coming months, with both the player’s representatives and the club optimistic that a mutually acceptable agreement can be found.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming negotiations, where the ultimate decision regarding Vinicius Jr.’s long-term commitment to Real Madrid will be determined.
