Vinicius Junior departure from Real Madrid would be ‘the shock of the century’, says Roberto Gomez

Spanish journalist Roberto Gomez has ruled out the possibility of Vinicius Junior leaving Real Madrid, describing the Brazilian forward’s potential departure as “the shock of the century” amid growing uncertainty over his future at the club.

Speaking on Spanish radio station Radio Marca on Monday, Gomez said the 25-year-old was central to Real Madrid’s team and argued that losing him would represent a major blow for the club.

“Vinicius is currently Real Madrid’s best player,” Gomez said. “There is nobody on the wing who plays like him with the same talent and influence. I cannot even imagine him leaving now because he represents the attacking spirit of the team.”

Vinicius has entered the centre of an increasingly intense debate over whether he will extend his contract with Real Madrid. The Brazil international is approaching the final year of his current deal, a situation that has prompted speculation about his next move.

Reports in the Spanish media remain divided. Some sources say negotiations are taking place over a new contract, while others have reported interest from major European clubs, particularly in the Premier League.

Gomez questioned whether any club would be prepared to meet Real Madrid’s likely valuation of the forward when he has only one year remaining on his agreement.

“Who is going to pay 150 or 200 million euros for a player who has only one year left on his contract?” he said. “That does not make sense economically or from a sporting point of view.”

The journalist also argued that Real Madrid would have little power to force Vinicius out if the player made clear that he wanted to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“And if Vinicius says clearly: ‘I will stay here’, what will the club do?” Gomez said. “Will it force him to leave? That is completely impossible.”

He dismissed the idea that the relationship between the player and the club could be brought to an easy conclusion, insisting that both sides continued to need one another.

“How can Vinicius leave Real Madrid?” Gomez said. “For me, it would be the shock of the century in every sense. Real Madrid urgently needs Vinicius, and Vinicius needs Real Madrid. This is a relationship that cannot be ended easily.”

The comments come as speculation continues to surround the forward’s contract situation. Vinicius has become a key part of Real Madrid’s attack, according to Gomez, who believes his importance makes a departure difficult to envisage.

While some reports point to ongoing discussions about a renewal, other accounts suggest that leading European clubs are monitoring the player. The conflicting reports have fuelled uncertainty over whether Vinicius will commit his future to Real Madrid or enter the final season of his current contract with his long-term position unresolved.