Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has personally stepped into the tense contract negotiations surrounding star winger Vinícius Júnior, a move that underlines the urgency and complexity of the situation. According to Diario Sport, via Cadena SER, the club’s top executive has grown increasingly concerned with the prolonged standoff between the Brazilian’s camp and the club’s board — a situation now threatening the long-term future of one of Madrid’s biggest attacking assets.
Vinicius, whose current contract runs until 2027, is reportedly demanding a substantial salary increase. He wants to match Kylian Mbappé’s new wage structure — an astronomical €30 million annually — which would see him become one of the highest-paid players in Europe. This figure marks a sharp leap from his current earnings, which are believed to be just under €20 million per year.
The standoff has been fueled by Vinicius’ agent, who is pushing for a salary package of at least €25 million plus significant performance-based variables. This demand has shattered the initial consensus that had reportedly been reached around a €20 million renewal deal. With negotiations deadlocked and tempers flaring behind the scenes, Florentino Pérez is now attempting to calm the waters before matters spiral out of control.
What’s at stake is more than just wages — it’s the identity of Real Madrid moving forward. Pérez sees Vinicius as one half of a long-term attacking duo alongside Mbappé under the new era of head coach Xabi Alonso. Despite the turbulent 2024-25 season and lingering doubts about Vinicius’s chemistry with Mbappé on the pitch, the president remains firm in his belief that the Brazilian should be retained as a cornerstone of the project.
However, the situation is far from straightforward. Vinicius has not hit the heights expected of him this past season, often struggling to connect with Mbappé during key moments. This lack of synchronicity has sparked debate among fans and insiders alike, with some questioning whether the pair can truly thrive together under Alonso’s system. Still, Pérez believes the current issues are temporary and not a reflection of Vinicius’s long-term value to the club.
Adding pressure to the situation is the looming presence of Saudi Arabia, where clubs are reportedly willing to table an offer in the region of €300-350 million for the Brazilian forward. Such a staggering figure has forced Madrid to weigh its options carefully. While the club is not actively looking to sell, these offers are too big to ignore completely. If the situation with Vinicius’s contract remains unresolved, a sale could become a more realistic scenario.
In response to the growing uncertainty, Pérez is reportedly preparing to take the extraordinary step of bypassing Vinicius’s agent and meeting with the player directly. The goal is to find common ground and rebuild trust without the interference of third parties who may be pushing for more than the club is willing to offer. This bold move reflects Pérez’s commitment to retaining Vinicius and protecting Madrid’s future sporting interests.
The timing of this intervention is particularly notable. Vinicius is currently on holiday in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying a brief escape from the media scrutiny that has followed him all summer. Pérez’s hope is that a personal approach, away from the tension of the negotiation table, will appeal to Vinicius’s love for the club and his bond with the Madrid fanbase.
Behind closed doors, Real Madrid’s stance remains cautious but open. The club is not ruling out a potential sale if negotiations completely collapse, but for now, all efforts are focused on reaching an agreement that keeps Vinicius at the Santiago Bernabéu until at least 2030. The idea is to structure a deal that rewards the winger’s market value while also aligning with the club’s long-term financial framework.
While many fans online are divided — some calling for his sale, others urging Madrid to meet his demands — there’s no denying Vinicius remains one of the most influential figures in world football. Letting him go could have ripple effects on Madrid’s global branding, on-field competitiveness, and even their dressing room dynamics, particularly with younger talents like Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham looking up to him as a leader.
Ultimately, this saga is about more than just numbers. It’s about pride, prestige, and power. Pérez, a master negotiator with decades of experience, knows that securing Vinicius’s future will not only send a strong message to the footballing world but also reaffirm Madrid’s identity as a club that backs its stars — both on and off the pitch.
As the summer rolls on, all eyes will be on Madrid. Will Pérez’s personal touch be enough to resolve the impasse? Or will one of the club’s brightest stars take the Saudi millions and walk away from the Bernabéu spotlight? The next few weeks will define not only Vinicius’s future — but perhaps Madrid’s next chapter.