Vinicius Junior Delivers Shocking Contract Ultimatum to Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso Faces the Axe—Report
Vinicius Junior has allegedly suspended contract negotiations with Real Madrid due to strained relations with head coach Xabi Alonso.
The Brazilian star, whose current agreement with Los Blancos concludes at the end of the upcoming season, has been engaged in discussions with the Spanish club since January, though minimal progress has been achieved. Disputes regarding a proposed wage package—Vinicius Jr is believed to be demanding a record-breaking €30 million ($34.6 million) annually—have brought negotiations to a standstill.
The deteriorating dynamic between the superstar forward and Alonso has further complicated the situation. Per The Athletic, Vinicius Jr informed Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez that he believes renewing his contract is "not the optimal choice" for him given his "dynamic with Alonso."
This position from Vinicius Jr has "not been unexpected" at Real Madrid considering the existing tension within the squad. The report emphasizes that the 25-year-old's decision is not a bargaining strategy, but an authentic expression of his sentiments: Committing his future to a coach who restricts his playing time doesn't align with his perspective.
Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid at an Impasse Over Alonso
This shocking revelation emerges less than a day after Vinicius Jr was again excluded from Alonso's starting lineup, this time in the match against Elche. The Spanish manager chose Rodrygo instead as part of an unusual tactical approach that backfired spectacularly.
Real Madrid could only secure a 2–2 tie with the recently promoted team, with both goals occurring after Alonso returned to Los Blancos' strongest formation, featuring Vinicius Jr, who entered the match in the 57th minute alongside Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.
Sunday's match marked the third occasion Alonso chose not to start Vinicius Jr since replacing Carlo Ancelotti in May. The attacker has also completed the full 90 minutes in just six of his 23 matches under the former Bayer Leverkusen manager.
Vinicius Jr has expressed his frustration openly, most notably when he became visibly upset during El Clásico after being substituted in the 72nd minute. The Brazilian departed angrily through the tunnel and was required to deliver both public and private apologies to the organization, with Alonso notably absent from the public statement.
The destiny of the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient always seemed destined to remain in white, but without reconciliation between him and Alonso, Vinicius Junior's commitment to Real Madrid appears to be diminishing.