Vinicius Jr And Real Madrid Contract Renewal Stalls Over High Wage Demands.
Real Madrid’s star forward Vinicius Jr and the club have hit a stumbling block in negotiations over a new contract, with the Brazilian’s salary demands proving a significant hurdle, according to reports from Spanish media. The 24-year-old, whose current deal runs until 2027, is reportedly seeking a lucrative package that would place him among the highest-paid players in world football, but the La Liga giants are hesitant to meet his expectations.
Sources indicate that Vinicius, fresh off winning FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player award in December 2024, is pushing for an annual salary of around €30 million, inclusive of bonuses and a potential renewal bonus—a figure that would surpass the earnings of teammate Kylian Mbappé, who nets approximately €15 million per season plus a signing bonus. Real Madrid’s initial offer, which included a salary increase from Vinicius’s current €15 million net per year, was rejected by the player’s camp, who argue that his contributions on the pitch warrant a deal reflective of his status as one of the game’s elite.
The breakdown in talks, confirmed by multiple outlets including The Athletic and COPE, has fuelled speculation about the winger’s future. Despite Vinicius’s public insistence that he wishes to remain at Real Madrid “forever” and make history with the club, the lack of progress in negotiations has raised eyebrows. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with some suggesting that the player’s entourage is standing firm on their €30 million demand, a figure that has reportedly “shocked” Real Madrid’s leadership.
Adding complexity to the situation is interest from Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, which has been circling Vinicius for over a year. Reports suggest that Saudi clubs, including Al Ahli, are prepared to offer a staggering €1 billion over five years, a deal that would make him the highest-paid footballer in the world. While no formal offer has materialised, the prospect of such a record-breaking transfer has reportedly frustrated Vinicius’s representatives, who believe the ongoing rumours could tarnish his image.
Real Madrid, however, remain firm. The club’s president, Florentino Pérez, is keen to secure Vinicius’s long-term future, viewing him as a cornerstone alongside Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. Yet, the club is wary of disrupting its carefully managed salary structure. Spanish outlet AS notes that meeting Vinicius’s demands could prompt other key players, such as Bellingham, who earns around €10 million net annually, to seek similar pay rises, potentially destabilising the squad’s financial balance.
Despite the deadlock, both sides appear committed to finding a resolution. Vinicius’s camp has denied claims of an imminent agreement, insisting that the ball is in Real Madrid’s court to present a revised offer.
Vinicius, who joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 for €46 million, has become a talisman for the club, amassing 101 goals and 83 assists in 293 appearances. His pivotal role in securing a La Liga and Champions League double in the 2023/2024 season, coupled with his 2024 FIFA Best award, underscores his value. However, with negotiations stalled and Saudi interest lingering, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Brazilian remains a Real Madrid legend in the making or seeks pastures new.
