Vini Jr. contract STALLED | Real Madrid hold back
Vinícius Júnior’s new deal talks with Real Madrid have stalled as the club resists his salary demands, taking a wait-and-see approach this season.
Shortest90
- August 19, 2025
Real Madrid are about to kick off their La Liga season under new manager Xabi Alonso, but off the pitch, one storyline is dominating headlines — Vinícius Júnior’s stalled contract negotiations. The Brazilian’s future is not in immediate danger, but talks over a mega-extension have hit a brick wall, leaving Madrid fans restless.
The State of Play: Vini Wants More, Madrid Holding Back
According to reports in Spain, Vinícius Júnior and his camp presented Real Madrid with ambitious salary demands: €20 million net per season plus another €10m in bonuses. Los Blancos responded with a counter-offer, but the two sides remain far apart. Since then, negotiations have completely stalled.
The sticking point? Madrid are cautious about handing out “Mbappé money” to another star. While they view Vinícius as a cornerstone of the project, they are unwilling — at least for now — to match the astronomical figures his representatives are seeking.
Vinícius, meanwhile, is not rushing. His camp believes that if he starts the season strong and returns to his Ballon d’Or-level form of 2022/23, his value will speak for itself. In short: prove it on the pitch, then cash in.
Timing Is Everything
The 24-year-old’s current contract runs until 2027, which means Madrid have time. There’s no immediate panic about losing him, but everyone knows how quickly leverage can shift in football. If talks drag into next summer without resolution, Vinícius could suddenly find himself with serious offers elsewhere.
This is why some insiders warn that Madrid may be “playing a dangerous game.” As one analyst put it:“If Vinícius became available on the open market, every elite club would line up. For now, it’s poker between the club and player — but Madrid don’t want to let this drag too long.”
Alonso’s Influence
A key subplot is how new coach Xabi Alonso uses Vinícius in his system. Alonso has made it clear he will demand high defensive work rate from all attackers, even superstars like Mbappé and Vini. That could be a decisive factor: if Vinícius flourishes under Alonso, his value skyrockets. If tensions rise, negotiations could get even trickier.
Madrid have built much of their recent future planning around Vinícius, once hailed as the club’s “next Ballon d’Or winner.” But with Mbappé’s arrival, the balance of power inside the dressing room has shifted. Vini’s agents know this, and they want guarantees — both financially and in terms of status.
Meanwhile: A Teenager Making Noise
While contract drama swirls around Vinícius, Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid’s new 18-year-old Argentine signing, is stealing attention. Alonso praised his maturity, vision, and competitive spirit, even hinting he could debut against Osasuna this weekend.
Mastantuono may not start, but he represents Madrid’s long-term planning — young, hungry, and potentially another superstar in the making. In a way, his arrival adds extra intrigue to Vini’s contract saga: the future is bright, but how much of it belongs to the Brazilian?
A Waiting Game
For now, the situation is clear:
Vinícius’ camp wants top-tier wages.
Madrid want proof of consistency before committing.
Alonso is the wild card, shaping how central Vini will be in his project.
There’s no immediate crisis — but make no mistake, this will be one of the season’s biggest off-field stories. If Vinícius returns to his best, Madrid may have no choice but to bow to his demands. If not, the unthinkable could slowly creep onto the horizon: a Bernabéu without Vini Jr.
One thing is certain — all eyes are on him when Real Madrid kick off their season at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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