English Premier League
Vinicius Junior contract talks with Real Madrid stalled despite near agreement
Negotiations between Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid over a new contract have become increasingly complicated, with talks breaking down in July 2025 when an agreement appeared close, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
The Brazilian forward’s renewal has been a long-running issue for Real Madrid, with the latest phase beginning after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, when Xabi Alonso was in the dugout.
The most recent face-to-face meeting between the club and the player’s representatives took place at Valdebebas after the tournament. It was intended to settle the remaining differences, but discussions stopped just as both sides appeared ready to sign. The negotiations are now expected to resume.
Vinicius Junior reportedly made a significant concession over his original financial demands during that meeting. His initial request had been close to €30m (£26m) a year, while Real Madrid also increased the value of its opening proposal.
Despite the considerable gap between the two positions at the outset, the parties moved close to an agreement, with their respective offers and demands becoming almost identical. However, the talks ended during the July 2025 meeting, when the final signature seemed imminent.
Neither side was willing to make what would have been a relatively small final concession, in what AS described as an unusual end to negotiations that had otherwise made substantial progress.
Vinicius eventually asked for net earnings of €20m per season. That would represent an increase of only €5m compared with the amount he was receiving after his previous renewal in 2022. That deal was not officially announced until more than a year later, on 31 October 2023.
The 2022 agreement was for five seasons, taking the player through to 2027. It guaranteed him a total of €75m net, giving him an average annual salary of €15m under a contract that rises incrementally.
Vinicius began that deal earning about €10m a year, with his salary scheduled to increase to approximately €18m by the end of the contract.
His existing agreement also includes a clause granting him an additional €2m per season after winning The Best award. He would have received the same bonus had he won the Ballon d’Or.
The current negotiations involve more than salary alone. One issue is the possibility of a renewal bonus, similar to the signing bonus Kylian Mbappe received when he joined Real Madrid. Vinicius may seek such a payment as his current contract moves closer to its conclusion. Image rights are another important part of the discussions.
Image rights represent a significant element of the financial package. Mbappe reportedly retains almost 100% of his image rights, a structure which AS says would otherwise make it extremely difficult for Real Madrid to meet his salary.
Vinicius’ contract runs until 2027, but FIFA regulations will allow him to negotiate publicly with clubs other than Real Madrid from January.
AS also reported that an initial agreement over the player’s future had already been reached before Real Madrid agreed a deal for Yan Diomande, who is represented by Federico Pena, the same agent who represents Vinicius.
The latest information from the Brazilian’s camp indicates that Vinicius Junior intends to remain at Real Madrid after renewing his contract.
AS reported several months ago that his preference was to stay even if an extension could not be agreed. In that scenario, the forward would leave as a free agent next summer.
