Vinicius Contract Talks With Real Madrid Stall Over Salary Demands
Contract negotiations between Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid have stalled for weeks, with the Brazilian forward\'s representatives rejecting the club\'s latest offer. The 25-year-old earns approximately $19.8 million per season through 2027, according to ESPN sources.
Vinicius\' agents sought a fixed $22 million annual salary with performance bonuses potentially reaching $33 million total. Madrid\'s final offer included only the base $22 million figure without additional incentives, sources told ESPN.
The player\'s representatives, Fred Pena and Thassilo Soares, believe the proposed increase is insufficient for a three-year extension through 2030. They have opted to monitor the 2025-26 season and coach Xabi Alonso\'s plans before making a decision.
Sources revealed Alonso considered benching Vinicius during Madrid\'s Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain in July. Only Trent Alexander-Arnold\'s late withdrawal preserved the Brazilian\'s starting position alongside Gonzalo Garcia and Kylian Mbappe.
Madrid initiated renewal discussions in February despite Vinicius having two years remaining on his current deal. The early negotiations followed reported interest from the Saudi Pro League, though that possibility has since been ruled out.
\"There has been no further contact with the Saudis since December,\" a source told ESPN.
Vinicius\' camp expressed concern about potential pressure from Spanish media coverage affecting public opinion during ongoing negotiations. The forward finished runner-up for the 2024 Ballon d\'Or and won FIFA\'s The Best Men\'s Player award.
The Brazilian endured an inconsistent 2024-25 season, scoring 11 goals in 30 LaLiga appearances as Madrid finished without a major trophy. His representatives remain focused on securing improved terms that reflect his status as one of world football\'s premier talents.
Contract talks are expected to resume as the new season approaches, with both sides seeking a resolution that satisfies Madrid\'s financial structure and Vinicius\' wage demands.