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Real Madrid will "start exploring alternative options" if no deal is struck on a new contract for Vinicius Jr at the next round of negotiations, set to take place this summer following the 2026 World Cup.
As things currently stand, the Brazilian's tenure as a Real Madrid player is due to expire in a year, with contract extension talks having reached a standstill.
Vinicius Jr's future has turned into quite the storyline in Madrid. The 25-year-old remains one of the club's most prominent stars and has been instrumental in their recent triumphs, while both the player and club president Florentino Pérez have repeatedly made positive statements about a renewal.
"I've never pictured myself anywhere other than Real Madrid," Vinicius Jr said back in May. "I cherish every moment I spend here because it is the club of my dreams.
"I enjoy every minute, I want to keep playing here for the rest of my career, but I'm also not in any hurry to sign a new contract."
Pérez, meanwhile, has stated: "I'd love for him to remain here forever. He's delivered us the last two Champions League titles and he represents the club's values perfectly. You know who doesn't appreciate him? Those who aren't Real Madrid supporters."
Why Hasn't an Extension Been Agreed Upon Yet?
However, despite the warm public sentiments, actual headway on a deal has been minimal.
It has been reported that Vinicius Jr's wage demands are what have been stalling negotiations, with the Brazil international seeking a contract on par with the club's current top earner Kylian Mbappé at approximately $35 million (€30 million) per year, along with a "renewal bonus"—something Madrid have never previously offered any player—comparable to the signing bonus given to Mbappé.
Real Madrid have been unwilling to meet Vinicius Jr's demands.
Now, AS reports that Madrid will make one final attempt to reach an agreement with the forward, writing: "Once the World Cup concludes, there will be further developments, and if no deal is reached, Real Madrid will start exploring alternative options."
Vinicius Jr himself has already hinted at the forthcoming meeting between player and club, telling reporters on the eve of the tournament: "Right now I'm focused entirely on the national team. I'll address everything related to Real Madrid after the World Cup. At this moment I'm only thinking about my country, my teammates and putting on a great tournament."
Could Real Madrid Actually Sell Vinicius Jr?
While undeniably an exceptionally gifted player in the prime of his career, Vinicius Jr may not hold all the leverage in this negotiation.
His extraordinarily high salary and bonus requirements mean there are very few realistic destinations for the Brazilian should he push for a transfer. The Saudi Pro League has frequently been mentioned, yet it has still to persuade a genuine superstar to make the move in their prime years.
Furthermore, despite posting fairly strong numbers (22 goals, 10 assists) once again in 2025–26, there is a continuing debate surrounding Vinicius Jr's partnership with Mbappé in attack and whether Madrid's squad can truly accommodate two similarly gifted forwards.
Mbappé, who became Pérez's long-pursued target before finally putting pen to paper in 2024, is essentially unsellable for Madrid, meaning that if one player ultimately had to make way for the good of the team, it would almost certainly be Vinicius Jr.
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There is also the José Mourinho factor, with the new manager famously having little patience for flair players who are reluctant to defend. Vinicius Jr reportedly made it known he would not be willing to sign a new deal under former manager Xabi Alonso, prior to his mid-season departure. Whether he could get away with adopting a similar stance with a new manager is yet to be determined.
Ultimately, it may be Vinicius Jr who is compelled to make concessions on terms, with the clock winding down before Madrid begin seriously mapping out a path forward without their star attacker.