As attention turns to Saturday’s Clásico in the Copa del Rey final, Vinicius Junior’s entourage has surprised everyone by denying a major piece of news concerning Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior is one of Real Madrid’s undisputed key players. Whether performing well or poorly, the number 7 of Los Blancos is constantly in the headlines, especially regarding his future. Courted by Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian is said to have reached an agreement with Real Madrid’s board to extend his contract until 2030. At least, that was the report earlier this week from Marca and several other Iberian media outlets.
Vinicius’ camp denies any agreement
But just as these reports delighted Madrid fans ahead of the upcoming clash against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, the player’s camp decided to set the record straight: there is no agreement. According to The Athletic, talks between Vinicius and the Madrid club are not as advanced as previously reported. His entourage has firmly denied any notion of an imminent agreement, stating that negotiations are still ongoing.
What is currently stalling progress is Vinicius’ salary demand. The winger is reportedly asking for around €30 million to accept the extension — a significant increase compared to his current deal. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia once again entered the frame. The Athletic cites a source close to the Madrid club who claims the PIF’s offer remains “irresistible”.
Calm from Vinicius’ camp
Though still hesitant due to his sporting ambitions, this proposal could ultimately convince him. Vinicius remains highly ambitious: he dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or and becoming the centrepiece of Real Madrid, even with Kylian Mbappé’s arrival. For now, Vinicius Junior and his entourage remain calm. According to them, a more suitable offer could emerge in the near future.
In the meantime, the player is focusing on his performances with the club and keeping a close eye on upcoming opportunities. The suspense surrounding Vinicius Junior’s future continues: he will need to shine in the next Clásico. Having been completely absent from the first two Clásicos of the season (both won by FC Barcelona), the number 7 must now prove he deserves a salary on par with Mbappé. If he wants to sway Florentino Pérez, he’ll need to deliver on Saturday and bring the Copa del Rey back to the Bernabéu.
Doubts surrounding the player
For now, several pundits remain sceptical about the Brazilian winger’s future in Madrid. On Cadena SER, journalist Julio Pulido, for instance, does not agree with the club’s leadership. “I think Vinicius is right to stay — it would be a mistake to leave at his age (24) and in the current Saudi context. But I also think Real Madrid are making a mistake, because the Madrid of the future does not revolve around Vinicius. This version of Vinicius, who gets angry, who loses his temper and is becoming less and less influential on the pitch, in my opinion.”
According to the Cadena SER journalist, he is not alone in thinking this way. “And this idea I have is more widespread than people think. I keep hearing more and more voices from Madrid supporters who are tired of Vinicius and all the noise surrounding him.” In any case, it is clear that much still needs to be considered regarding Vinicius’ future. With Kylian Mbappé settling in well during his first season at the club, Florentino Pérez may take a different decision if the player’s camp pushes too hard with excessive demands.
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