Deepening tensions between Vinícius Jr. and Real Madrid‘s head coach Xabi Alonso have reached a critical point, as the Brazilian winger has expressed reluctance to extend his contract under the current circumstances. According to a major report from The Athletic, Vinícius communicated his stance directly to club president Florentino Pérez during a private meeting late last month. Sources close to the situation reveal that the player feels a contract renewal is untenable while the relationship with Alonso remains strained.
The discord appears to have originated during the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG on July 9, when Alonso initially intended to bench Vinícius. An injury to another player prompted a tactical reshuffle, leading to Vinícius being deployed on the right wing—a position he has openly criticized. Since that match, his playing time has dwindled; he has completed only five of Madrid’s 17 matches across all competitions and found himself starting four games from the bench. The situation escalated dramatically after El Clásico on October 26 when Vinícius reacted angrily to being substituted, reportedly exclaiming, “Always me! I’m leaving the team. It’s better if I leave.” Although he later apologized for his outburst, he notably omitted mentioning Alonso in his public statement of remorse.
Sources Confirm Relationship Strain
Managing Madrid has confirmed that Vinícius’s omission of Alonso’s name in his apology was deliberate, underscoring the rift between them. Sources close to Vinícius assert that there has indeed been a breakdown in communication and trust between the player and coach. However, Real Madrid officials have strongly denied any claims of tension within the squad, insisting that player rotation has been clearly communicated and labeling the situation as exaggerated from an external perspective. This discrepancy highlights a significant divide between how the club perceives internal dynamics and how they are viewed from Vinícius’s camp.
Contract Negotiations Stalled
On the financial front, The Athletic reports that Real Madrid proposed a contract renewal worth approximately €20 million net per year to Vinícius. His representatives countered with a demand for a historic deal approaching €30 million annually, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s previous package including bonuses and a renewal fee. While financial negotiations have stalled, sources indicate that the primary issue lies not solely in monetary terms but in the evolving coaching dynamic under Alonso. The atmosphere surrounding these discussions complicates any potential agreement.
Xabi Alonso has publicly stated that he harbors no personal animosity towards Vinícius and emphasizes that rotation is essential for team performance. In recent weeks, he has shown growing frustration over media scrutiny surrounding this issue but continues to downplay suggestions of conflict within the squad.
The current state of affairs paints a troubling picture for both player and club. With contract talks effectively at a standstill and tensions simmering between key figures, Real Madrid faces an uncertain future regarding one of its most talented players. Will they find common ground before it’s too late?
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