Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr’s Contract Stalemate Sparks Concern

As 2026 approaches, the future of Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid hangs in the balance. The Brazilian star has yet to extend his contract, which is set to expire in June 2027. With only a year and a half left on his current deal, discussions regarding a renewal have become a pressing issue for the club’s hierarchy at Valdebebas. However, negotiations are reportedly stalled due to significant disagreements over his salary expectations, with Vinicius seeking around €20 million net annually—a figure that Real Madrid is currently unwilling to meet.

Pedrag Mijatovic, a former Real Madrid icon, weighed in on the situation during an interview with Cadena SER. He suggested that if Vinicius is demanding a contract comparable to those of Kylian Mbappé or Lionel Messi, it signals a lack of genuine intent to extend his stay at the club. Mijatovic, who played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s seventh European Cup triumph in 1998, argued that the young forward’s recent performances do not justify such a lucrative deal. In fact, Vinicius has struggled on the pitch lately, failing to score in his last 15 matches across all competitions since netting a brace against Villarreal in early October.

Performance and Expectations

The pressure has been mounting for Vinicius Jr, particularly after being jeered by fans during a recent match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu. Such criticism highlights the expectations placed on him as one of the club’s key players. Despite this dip in form, Mijatovic believes it is wise for Real Madrid to pursue a contract renewal for Vinicius. “It’s a smart strategy for two reasons,” he explained. “First, he possesses immense talent that can benefit the team. Second, if negotiations fall through, it opens up possibilities for a transfer down the line.”

The Bigger Picture

Mijatovic also emphasized that allowing Vinicius to leave on a free transfer would be detrimental for Real Madrid, especially given the financial investment made in him. He firmly stated that the club cannot afford to lose such an asset without compensation. “If he wants to see out his contract with Real Madrid, so be it,” Mijatovic asserted. “What matters is that the club remains above any individual player.” This sentiment echoes throughout the club’s history; Real Madrid has always maintained a philosophy of prioritizing team success over individual demands.

The possibility of selling Vinicius during the upcoming summer transfer window cannot be ruled out either. This scenario is not unprecedented for Los Blancos, who have previously parted ways with high-profile players over salary disputes—Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos being prime examples. As Mijatovic aptly noted, “Real Madrid always finds a way to win.” With or without Vinicius Jr., the club’s legacy continues to thrive.