Real Madrid is going through a delicate period. Vinicius Jr has rejected the first contract extension offer made by the club. This refusal comes in a tense context, especially after a confrontation with Luka Modric during the Copa del Rey quarterfinals against Leganés.
According to Relevo and The Athletic, the 25-year-old Brazilian declined the initial proposal, signaling that negotiations may be long and complex. This rejection worries the Madrid executives, who hoped to finalize the deal quickly.
The situation is further complicated by interest from Saudi Arabia, which is willing to offer a staggering €1 billion to lure Vinicius Jr away. This enormous sum could heavily influence the negotiations.
Vinicius Jr and the Internal Conflict
Although Vinicius Jr is currently a pillar of Real Madrid, not everything is rosy behind the scenes. Since Karim Benzema's departure in 2023, Vinicius Jr has taken on a new dimension within the team, delivering high-level performances and emerging as a Ballon d'Or contender.
However, the past few months have not gone as planned. Injured in December, Vinicius Jr has struggled to regain his rhythm. After a hat-trick against Osasuna in November, he has not scored in La Liga, sparking criticism.
In this context, an incident during the Copa del Rey quarterfinals against Leganés ignited tensions: Luka Modric, the respected captain, allegedly reproached Vinicius Jr for his lack of defensive efforts. This remark reportedly angered Vinicius Jr, prompting a sharp response.
The Shadow of Mbappé and Financial Stakes
Another factor to consider is the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, which has disrupted the team's balance. Vinicius Jr, once uncontested on the left wing, must now adapt to a new order.
In response, Real Madrid has attempted to demonstrate its confidence in Vinicius Jr by initiating contract extension talks. However, the proposed offer does not yet reflect his importance to the Madrid project. Vinicius Jr expects more, both in terms of recognition and financially.
The executives, led by Florentino Pérez, must now juggle their desire to maintain a competitive squad with the need to avoid jeopardizing the club's economic balance. With the pressure of colossal offers from Saudi Arabia, the situation has become a real headache.
The saga is far from over. It remains to be seen whether Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid will find common ground... or if the Casa Blanca will have to prepare for a sensational departure.