It’s been widely reported that, if they cannot strike an agreement on a new contract, Real Madrid would be open to selling one of their prized assets to ensure he does not leave for nothing in a year’s time. Despite having fewer than 12 months to run on his contract, Vinicius is still valued at around €150m (£129m/$173m).
However, there is an unshakeable sense that Madrid would live to regret not reaching some sort of compromise for a player who is one of world football’s few bona fide superstars. When we are already talking about figures as astronomical as €22m per year, surely there is scope to push a bit higher to find some common ground for a club of their stature and financial might.
Arguably the finest left-winger on the planet, who boasts both dazzling footwork and an eye for the spectacular, the 26-year-old has delivered in countless big moments for Real, including the winner in the 2022 Champions League final and a goal in the 2024 showpiece. He is closing in on 230 attacking contributions in fewer than 400 appearances for the club at the time of writing.
From a commercial standpoint, too, Vinicius is a golden goose, bringing in plenty of revenue through shirt sales and other avenues, boosted by the fact he is now Brazil’s talisman at international level.
Los Blancos might be about to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a blockbuster €120m (£103m/$128m) deal, but, coming from the Bundesliga, there is no guarantee of success and he would do well to come anywhere close to Vini Jr’s level. A player of his calibre is simply irreplaceable in every way.
