Mansion Sports - Contract negotiations between Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid have reportedly stalled after the club refused to meet the winger’s salary demands. This development has cast significant doubt over the Brazilian star’s future at Santiago Bernabéu.

Although Vinícius still has two years remaining on his current contract, renewal talks have been ongoing since February. 

The urgency to secure his long-term commitment has intensified amid growing interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. 

However, as the 2025–26 season approaches, negotiations have reached an impasse due to a €10 million valuation gap.

Salary Demands and Real Madrid’s Proposal

According to ESPN, Vinícius Júnior’s representatives, Fred Pena and Thássilo Soares, requested a salary increase to €20 million per year plus an additional €10 million in performance-related bonuses. 

Real Madrid, however, has only offered a fixed annual wage of €20 million with no bonus structure attached.

For the player’s agents, the proposal was deemed unreasonable. At present, Vinícius earns around €17 million net per season, inclusive of bonuses. 

From their perspective, the incremental raise offered by the club is insufficient as grounds for a contract extension.

Significant Contributions Underappreciated

Vinícius Júnior has been integral to Real Madrid’s success in recent years, contributing to 14 major titles, including two UEFA Champions League trophies. 

His individual brilliance was also recognized in 2024 when he was awarded The Best FIFA Men’s Player, confirming his status as one of the finest wingers in world football.

Given these achievements, his camp argues that a more substantial salary increase is justified. Nonetheless, Real Madrid appears firm in treating their proposal as a “final offer,” leaving little room for compromise.

Strategy of Postponement

Rather than pushing negotiations further, Vinícius Júnior’s representatives have opted to suspend discussions for the time being. 

The decision allows them to observe how the 2025–26 season unfolds before reconsidering the player’s future.

In essence, Vinícius’s long-term commitment to Real Madrid will heavily depend on both his individual performances and the trajectory of the upcoming campaign.

The Impact of Kylian Mbappé’s Arrival

The 2024–25 season was not Vinícius Júnior’s most prolific. His influence dimmed following the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, who quickly established himself as Real Madrid’s main goalscoring force. 

This decline in productivity has slightly weakened Vinícius’s standing within the squad compared to previous years.

Now, the challenge for Vinícius is to rediscover the Ballon d’Or-level form he displayed during the 2023–24 season. 

Manager Xabi Alonso’s role will be crucial in restoring his sharpness and consistency. If Vinícius can deliver another stellar campaign, it could not only lead to further silverware for Los Blancos but also strengthen his leverage in future contract negotiations.