Vinicius Junior has reportedly turned down Real Madrid’s initial contract offer, but talks are still ongoing as the club works to ward off interest from Saudi Arabian teams.
Speculation about the Brazilian’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu continues, with the Saudi Pro League pushing for his signature. There are reports suggesting a potential bid worth €300m (£251.2m) could come from the Middle East this summer.
Real Madrid is determined to retain the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up, who played a crucial role in their success as European and Spanish champions last season. This campaign, he has continued to impress, with over 25 goal contributions across all competitions.
According to The Athletic, Madrid initiated negotiations for a new deal in mid-January, beginning with discussions to assess Vinicius’ demands. The club presented an offer that would have increased his salary, but the proposal was quickly rejected. Talks are reportedly still ongoing.
Vinicius will be expecting a substantial offer from Madrid, but the club is determined not to break its wage structure to secure a deal.
The Brazilian currently earns around €400,000 per week, making him the club’s third-highest-paid player. However, his wages are still far lower than those of summer signing Kylian Mbappe, who earns €600,000 per week when bonuses are factored in.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez wants to reward Vinicius for his outstanding performances on the field while ensuring he is not overshadowed by Mbappe in the Spanish capital. Vinicius’ current contract, renewed in October 2023, runs until June 2027.
While Vinicius has expressed his desire to stay at Madrid, he will face a tough decision if the massive Saudi offers materialize this summer.
