Vinicius Junior Clashes With Real Madrid Over Controversial Agent Meeting
Vinícius Júnior is reportedly "frustrated" by the slow progress in Real Madrid contract negotiations, though the club has allegedly disputed claims that a meeting with his representative occurred earlier this week.
Viní Jr. has now entered the last two years of his existing deal and, following renewed Saudi Pro League speculation that ultimately led nowhere during the summer, he is believed to want a long-term commitment at the Santiago Bernabéu.
AS reports that the player has consistently communicated to Los Blancos his intention to remain and agree new terms. However, discussions have remained at a standstill since talks that followed the FIFA Club World Cup. Viní Jr. is said to have reduced his salary expectations, yet a "15%" divide still exists between player and club, which seems peculiar given how small that difference is.
Another point of irritation for the Brazilian is the sporadic and restricted playing time he's received under Xabi Alonso this campaign. Viní Jr. allegedly believes he has complied with the manager's request for greater defensive duties at the expense of his offensive influence. Following bench starts against Marseille and Real Oviedo, he has not exceeded 78 minutes in any match and reportedly feels "sidelined" without justification—a coaching decision rather than part of any broader contract-related strategy.
Nevertheless, AS's assertion that Viní Jr.'s representative, Frederico Pena, visited Valdebebas on Monday for a two-hour contract discussion has been disputed by the club, according to a Mundo Deportivo report.
The original report suggested that Pena moved up a scheduled Madrid visit by one month to specifically pursue club negotiations. But the MD article argues that the agent regularly visits Valdebebas every two to three weeks regardless, due to other clients he represents. Los Blancos don't even view the contract as a priority since they believe time remains on their side.
Alonso dismissed suggestions before this week's Levante fixture that Viní Jr., who seemed to show frustration toward the manager during the Espanyol match, is anything other than content.
"Following the [Espanyol] match, I had conversations with the players, and they were all satisfied," he stated.
"They felt positive and were motivated to keep developing. We must maintain team unity and collective mentality to handle the obstacles we encounter. Everyone grasps the vision we have for the squad, and everyone is making their contribution.
Alonso also expressed contentment with Viní Jr.'s performances: "I'm pleased with his output. We're only at the season's beginning. He must continue being crucial; there's plenty more to come."