Vinicius Jr Receives Heartfelt Transfer Plea From Club He Vowed to Sign With
Flamengo's sporting director José Boto emphasized that the club's doors remain "permanently open" for Vinicius Junior's eventual homecoming to his childhood team, a return the Brazilian winger has previously pledged to fulfill during his career.
Boto's statements gained momentum due to Vinicius Jr's current contract negotiations with Real Madrid. No substantial advancement has been made regarding an extension of his tenure in Spain's capital, with his current deal expiring in 18 months.
"His contract is nearing its conclusion, we wouldn't need to compensate Real Madrid," Boto strategically revealed during the unveiling of new acquisition Lucas Paquetá. "His deal is approaching its end, he gifted me a wonderful present, a signed jersey. You can only pursue such caliber players when they genuinely desire to join. It relies more on Vini's decision than ours. Our doors remain perpetually open for Vini."
There's certainly evidence that a Flamengo comeback has crossed Vinicius's mind.
Would Vinicius Jr Really Return to Flamengo?
Would Vinicius Jr Really Return to Flamengo?
Last December, Boto playfully suggested that Flamengo's celebrated former player will "desire to return" to his original club. Though primarily provocative, these remarks contained some substance.
In summer 2023, Vinicius Jr traveled to Rio de Janeiro to witness Flamengo demolish bitter rivals Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã. "It may take time, but I'll return someday [to Flamengo]," he vowed. "Extremely pleased to be here at Maracanã, with Flamengo and at a derby. Very grateful for everything they provided me. That I can remain strong to continue fighting for future generations."
The Rio-born talent initially joined Flamengo as a lanky 10-year-old, quickly impressing with a series of mesmerizing runs. Real Madrid promptly noticed. Vinicius Jr graced the cover of Spanish publication Marca before participating in his inaugural senior practice. He attracted an extraordinary fee of €45 million ($53.2 million) at merely 16 years old with just 17 minutes of top-level experience.
The Madrid agreement permitted Vinicius to accumulate 69 matches for Flamengo before departing for Spain following his 18th birthday. However, viewing his childhood club as a sanctuary from European football's mental and physical pressures ignores the challenges he encountered as a youth.
Vinicius Jr faced hostility from opposing fans after securing his lucrative transfer. "It wasn't solely directed at me," he shared with The Guardian in 2020. "Some Brazilian supporters struggle with others' success in different life aspects. They even criticize Neymar, for example ... I prefer not dwelling on these negative career moments, but I certainly hope to earn every Brazilian's support eventually."
How Can Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid Come to a Contract Resolution?
How Can Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid Come to a Contract Resolution?
Vinicius Jr obviously enjoys representing Real Madrid. Despite collecting an impressive trophy collection, including two Champions League titles after netting in finals, he still receives jeers from the demanding Bernabéu faithful, yet continues returning for more.
"I wish to remain here extensively," he stated as recently as January. "There's considerable discussion about my contract extension since I have another year remaining. We're completely calm about it. I have faith in [Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez], and he believes in me. We maintain an excellent relationship, and we'll resolve matters when appropriate. We're not rushing this process."
These discussions are anticipated to restart following the World Cup, when Vinicius Jr will have under a year remaining on his agreement. Six months post-tournament, foreign teams—including Flamengo—can begin exploring potential pre-contract arrangements for a free transfer in summer 2027.
Vinicius Jr reportedly seeks a €30 million yearly salary comprising a guaranteed €20 million plus an additional €10 million in performance bonuses. Real Madrid's counter-proposal—which they haven't shown signs of enhancing—allegedly offers a fixed €20 million. For comparison, his current earnings, with all incentives achieved, reportedly reach €17 million annually.
If Vinicius Jr were consistently delivering at levels that initially justified his representatives' demands when he was Ballon d'Or favorite, Madrid might feel more willing to meet those figures.
However, a winger who has netted one league goal in four months lacks strong negotiating leverage.
Madrid, and president Pérez, have demonstrated ruthlessness, severing ties with icons like Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos when it benefited the club over the player. If Vinicius Jr cannot significantly improve his performance before summer negotiations—a strong World Cup display would certainly assist—he may need to reduce his financial expectations.