Report: Vinicius Junior contract talks stall at Real Madrid

Vinicius, 25, is under contract at the Bernabeu until June 2027, currently earning around 17 million euros net per season including bonuses. Talks to extend his deal began earlier than usual, initially sparked by interest from Saudi clubs late last year - interest that has since cooled.

After months of back-and-forth, a May meeting between the two parties appeared to narrow the gap, with optimism that an agreement was close. Vinicius' team was reportedly seeking to raise his fixed salary to 20 million euros per year, with performance-based variables that could boost the total package to 30 million euros annually.

However, Real Madrid's final proposal offered a flat 20 million euros per season - without any additional bonuses. From the player's perspective, sources say the increase is too modest to justify a three-year extension that would tie him to the club until 2030.

As a result, his agents, Fred Pena and Thássilo Soares, have decided to delay any decision until later in the 2025–26 season. According to sources, they want to better understand new head coach Xabi Alonso's long-term vision for Vinicius before committing to an extension.

Concerns over the player's role have already surfaced. ESPN has learned that Alonso considered benching Vinicius for Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain in July, with plans to start two forwards instead. A last-minute injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced a tactical reshuffle, with Federico Valverde shifting to right-back and Vinicius retaining his place in the starting XI alongside Kylian Mbappe and Gonzalo Garcia.

Real Madrid initiated extension talks in February, keen to lock down one of their marquee players despite the two years remaining on his current deal. The move followed reports of Saudi Pro League interest, which has since evaporated - a source confirmed there has been no contact with Saudi clubs since December, and Vinicius' camp has ruled out that option for the foreseeable future.

There's also sensitivity around how negotiations are being covered in the Spanish media. The player's representatives fear the tone of reporting could shape public perception and increase pressure on the forward amid contract uncertainty.

Despite a standout 2024 - finishing second in Ballon d'Or voting and winning FIFA's The Best Men's Player award - Vinicius experienced an uneven 2024–25 season, registering 11 goals in 30 LaLiga appearances. Real Madrid finished the campaign without silverware, adding further questions about the direction of the project under Alonso.

For now, the ball remains in Madrid's court. Talks are paused, and Vinicius' future - at least beyond 2027 - remains unresolved.