Real Madrid Issues Shocking Ultimatum to Vinicius Junior While Plotting Erling Haaland Swoop—Report
Real Madrid have allegedly issued an ultimatum to winger Vinicius Junior, stating he will be transferred at season's end unless he accepts a new deal shortly, with Manchester City's Erling Haaland being their preferred successor.
Vinicius is nearing the last 18 months of his current deal and contract renewal discussions have been ongoing for months. The talks initially started with an enormous financial request from the Brazilian star, establishing the framework for what have become extremely tense negotiations.
Movement toward a contract extension halted during the summer and hasn't resumed since. Although Madrid desire to retain Vinicius, they've indicated they'll only do so under their conditions.
Spanish outlet SPORT claims that Madrid haven't given up on securing an extension, but they've now informed Vinicius they're willing to sell the 25-year-old next summer without a deal.
Should they part ways with Vinicius, who has consistently attracted substantial offers from Saudi Arabia, then president Florentino Pérez will pursue his ideal acquisition by bringing Haaland to partner with Kylian Mbappé.
Vinicius's Contract Demands Causing Problems
At the heart of the matter is Vinicius's wish to match Mbappé's compensation, whose yearly income of €20 million ($23.3 million) represents Madrid's maximum self-imposed wage ceiling.
Madrid would gladly match Vinicius's salary expectations, but the Brazilian is reportedly seeking a higher base wage comparable to Mbappé's signing bonus, which is distributed across multiple years and pushes his total compensation above the wage structure.
Club leadership remains hesitant to exceed their wage ceiling for any individual and are believed to have stood firm with Vinicius, informing him his requests won't be accommodated and leaving the decision regarding his future in his hands.
Saudi Arabian clubs have consistently been linked with record-breaking bids for Vinicius, and Madrid anticipate generating at least €180 million from his departure, believing a comparable amount would be necessary to secure Haaland from City.