Real Madrid may be edging closer to a bold decision on Vinicius Junior’s future amid growing frustration over the Brazilian forward’s salary demands.
The club’s hierarchy is reportedly weighing up whether to entertain his push for an improved deal or consider offers, with Saudi side Al Hilal reportedly tabling a £1 billion package to lure him away.
Vinicius, who has Cameroonian heritage through his maternal family, endured a challenging 2024/25 season at the Bernabéu, and it has done little to strengthen his position.
While fellow Brazilian Rodrygo has often been linked with the exit, it is now Vinicius whose future appears most uncertain, with his performances not matching the expectations set by his status at the club.
Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, who claimed both the Pichichi and the European Golden Boot, Real Madrid endured a trophyless campaign.
Barcelona won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and Paris Saint-Germain lifted the UEFA Champions League.
Much of the attacking imbalance has been attributed to the overlapping roles of Mbappé and Vinicius, whose on-pitch chemistry remains unresolved.
Vinicius scored just 12 goals in 39 appearances this season—six fewer than in 2023/24—despite registering 12 assists.
His form has slipped from Ballon d’Or contender to a player frequently substituted and overshadowed. His indiscipline is also under scrutiny, with 11 yellow cards and one red across the campaign, up from eight bookings the previous season.
Beyond the numbers, his off-field image and friction with the crowd have added to the concerns.
While his defensive contributions—30 tackles—are commendable for a forward, his passing accuracy (79.8%) lags behind teammates in a system where precision is critical.
His representatives are reportedly using the Al Hilal offer to pressure Madrid into a significant pay raise.
However, club president Florentino Pérez is believed to be wary of setting a precedent by yielding to what is seen internally as brinkmanship.
The club may ultimately decide that, for all his flair, Vinicius’s growing baggage outweighs his value—especially with the Saudi market wide open for marquee signings.
