Real Madrid have frozen contract negotiations with Vinícius Júnior talks broke down over the Brazilian forward’s salary demands.
The 24-year-old, who began last season as one of the club’s leading figures but later saw Kylian Mbappé take centre stage in attack, had entered discussions over a long-term extension with optimism.
An agreement was thought to be within reach earlier this year, yet the situation has since shifted.
According to reports in Spain, Vinícius’s representatives revised their demands, asking for a salary package worth around €25m annually — a figure that would place him ahead of Mbappé or at least guarantee him comparable bonuses.
Real Madrid are said to have dismissed the proposal outright, with Spanish television outlet El Chiringuito claiming the club is prepared to consider parting ways with the player if he insists on such terms.
The standoff has fuelled speculation about Vinícius’s future, with Saudi clubs reportedly monitoring developments closely.
His potential availability has sparked rumours of an approach from the Saudi Pro League, which has already attracted several high-profile European stars in recent years.
Cadena SER, via Mundo Deportivo, reports that both Real Madrid and the player’s camp have now agreed to pause discussions altogether.
With the new campaign underway, the priority for both sides is said to be on performances on the pitch rather than boardroom negotiations. T
alks are unlikely to resume until the end of the calendar year, leaving the forward’s long-term future uncertain.
Vinícius, who joined Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, has established himself as one of the most dynamic attacking players in world football and a key contributor to the club’s domestic and European successes.
His pace, flair and decisive goals have made him a fan favourite at the Bernabéu, but his contract situation now casts doubt over his role in Madrid’s next era.
The impasse underscores the delicate balancing act Real Madrid face in managing a squad packed with star names, particularly following Mbappé’s arrival.
For Vinícius, the coming months will be crucial both in proving his worth on the field and in determining whether his future lies in Madrid or elsewhere.
With negotiations shelved until at least December, all eyes will remain on his performances and whether either side softens its stance before the next round of talks.v
