Real Madrid are going through a tricky period. Vinicius Jr has rejected the club’s first offer of an extension. His rejection comes against an already tense backdrop, particularly after a clash with Luka Modric during the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Leganés.
Talks between Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr have well and truly begun. The club, anxious to maintain strict management of its wage bill, has proposed an adjusted offer so as not to unbalance its financial structure. But according to Relevo and The Athletic, the 25-year-old Brazilian has turned down this initial offer, a sign that negotiations are likely to be long and complex.
🚨🚨Vinicius a rejeté la première offre de prolongation du Real Madrid !
— Real Madrid 🇫🇷 (@RMadridFrance_) February 7, 2025
(@MarioCortegana🎖️) pic.twitter.com/pXegB5KX5z
This refusal is worrying for Madrid’s directors, who were hoping to close the deal quickly. Especially as the winger is coveted by Saudi Arabia, who are prepared to put a billion euros on the table to attract him. A staggering figure that could weigh heavily in the balance.
Vinicius Jr and the internal conflict that raises questions
Vinicius Jr may be a Real Madrid mainstay today, but behind the scenes things are not all rosy. Since Karim Benzema’s departure in 2023, he has taken on a new dimension within the team, putting in a string of top-class performances and becoming one of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or. But in recent months, things have not gone according to plan.
Injured in December, the Brazilian has struggled to find his rhythm. After a resounding hat-trick against Osasuna in November, he has not scored in La Liga, which has drawn criticism. In this context, an incident during the King’s Cup quarter-final against Leganés set off a firestorm: Luka Modric, a respected captain, reportedly criticised him for his lack of defensive effort. It was a remark that annoyed Vinicius to no end, and prompted a scathing response from him.
The shadow of Mbappé and the financial stakes
Another factor to consider is that the arrival of Kylian Mbappé has upset the balance of the team. Vinicius Jr, until now the undisputed leader on the left wing, now has to deal with a new established order. Faced with this situation, Real Madrid have tried to show their confidence in him by initiating talks about an extension. But for the player, the offer on the table does not yet reflect his importance to the Madrid project. He expects more, both in terms of recognition and in financial terms.
Under the guidance of Florentino Pérez, the club’s directors now have to juggle their desire to retain a competitive squad with the need to avoid jeopardising the club’s financial equilibrium. With the pressure exerted by the colossal bids from Saudi Arabia, the situation is becoming a real headache. The soap opera is far from over. It remains to be seen whether Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid will find common ground… or whether the Casa Blanca will have to prepare for a resounding departure.
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