Reports coming from Spain bridle that the negotiations between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior have come to a standstill after the Brazilian winger submitted a payroll proposal that is equal to club-record salaries previously paid to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 25-year-old, who has a contract until 2027, allegedly asked for a yearly remuneration of around €30 million ($35 million) and a signing bonus on top — a figure that surpasses the €20 million limit that Madrid still adhere to, same as the top earner Kylian Mbappé.
An agreement of this kind would set a record not only for the club but also for sports in general, and it has aroused fears that other stars might follow suit.Real are said to be hesitant not only because of the monetary aspect but also because of Vinicius’s performance recently.
It is said that The new coach Xabi Alonso wanted to pull Vinicius out of the lineup for the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG but after Trent Alexander-Arnold got injured, they changed the plan and he still ended up playing there, but he was out of position on the right, with Mbappé on the left and Gonzalo García central.
Although Alonso probably will not take the winger off the pitch when the new La Liga season (2025–26) kicks off on August 19 against Osasuna, The Athletic reports that he still thinks Vinicius “has to work harder” and might soon be off the list of players who are treated like kings at the Santiago Bernabéu.