Real Madrid’s long-standing resolve to retain Vinicius Junior is beginning to weaken, with signs emerging that the club is increasingly resigned to a future sale as tensions around the winger intensify.
The issue moved sharply into focus after the club’s 2–0 win over Sevilla, a match overshadowed by sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd jeering one of their most recognisable stars.
The reaction has sharpened internal debate at Valdebebas, where senior figures are now confronting the growing possibility that Vinicius’ chapter in Madrid may not be a long-term one.
The Brazilian forward, who has Cameroonian heritage, has since left Spain for Dubai to begin his Christmas break, stepping away from an atmosphere that has become increasingly strained.
His departure comes with contract negotiations still at a standstill, adding urgency to a situation already complicated by time.
Vinicius’ current deal is edging toward its final 18 months, a point at which Madrid traditionally reassess their leverage to avoid losing elite players on reduced terms.
Head coach Xabi Alonso offered only a measured response when questioned about the boos directed at Vinicius during the Sevilla match.
“The fans are, of course, sovereign and free to express their opinion,” he said, before shifting focus away from the issue. The lack of a firm public defence has been interpreted by some observers as further evidence that the club is recalibrating its stance.
Spanish media reports suggest the Madrid board had initially hoped to secure a renewal and keep Vinicius at the heart of their sporting project.
However, doubts over progress at the negotiating table are forcing a more pragmatic outlook. Journalist Antón Meana, speaking on Cadena SER, warned that patience within the hierarchy is thinning.
“I think the Real Madrid board would have preferred that Vinicius not be let go. Seeing how the renewal negotiations are going, they want to renew his contract but they don’t have all the leverage…,” he said.
Another Cadena SER reporter, Javier Herráez, painted a picture of a player increasingly detached from the process.
“Vinicius is leaving defiant and angry. It all depends on him. If he plays like he did a couple of years ago, people will applaud him,” Herráez noted, while questioning whether delays in talks reflect a deeper desire to move on.
