The exit of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid head coach has altered the dynamics surrounding Vinícius Júnior‘s potential contract renewal, according to multiple ESPN sources. Alonso was considered a major hurdle in reaching an agreement on a new deal.
Currently, Vinícius’ contract with Madrid is set to expire in June 2027, with discussions regarding a renewal having been stalled since last May.
Alonso’s departure on Monday, replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa, followed months of mounting pressure, culminating in Madrid’s loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final.
One source revealed that the chances for a renewal were deemed “non-existent” if Alonso had remained in charge.
The new coach Arbeloa has expressed support for Vinícius, recognizing his eagerness to play—even as other key players were given a break—in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey loss against Albacete.
Nonetheless, a significant obstacle to a new contract still exists: the gap between Vinícius’ wage expectations and the club’s offer remains considerable.
Presently, Vinícius earns approximately €17 million ($19.75 million) net annually.
In discussions from May 2025, Madrid proposed an offer of around €20 million to the player.
Negotiations stalled as Vinícius requested an additional €10 million in bonuses to seal the agreement.
ESPN previously reported that Vinícius’ camp anticipated negotiations would pause until after the summer 2026 World Cup, which would lead him into the final year of his existing contract.
However, Alonso’s departure has shifted the situation, and sources suggest that the LaLiga club is likely to initiate talks to resume negotiations.
Vinícius’ representatives believe that Real Madrid are nearing their financial limits regarding wages, making it hard for them to enhance their offer of €20 million net per season.
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That said, they believe there’s potential to negotiate improvements through bonuses, similar to how Kylian Mbappé was convinced to join from Paris Saint-Germain.
Various sources informed ESPN that there was a broad consensus that Alonso’s management had become a detrimental factor hindering the resumption of negotiations.
While Vinícius was a key starter under Alonso’s predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, his relationship with Alonso quickly became strained after the latter’s appointment last summer.
ESPN noted that Alonso had initially intended to keep Vinícius on the bench during Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal versus Paris Saint-Germain, and only a late injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold prompted a change in plans that led to Vinícius taking the field.
Under Alonso, Vinícius made 33 appearances but only finished nine matches, with four of those as a substitute.
The most notable conflict in their relationship occurred during the Clásico against Barcelona in October, where Vinícius was visibly frustrated upon being substituted in a match Madrid won 2-1 at the Bernabéu.
Subsequently, Vinícius issued a social media apology that notably omitted any mention of his coach.
In the following weeks, despite public displays of support from Alonso, including gestures of camaraderie on the touchline, their relationship remained strictly professional, according to sources.
Post Alonso’s dismissal, Vinícius was among a few players who did not publicly bid farewell on social media.
This season, the forward has struggled for form, recording six goals and seven assists for his club.
Report by ESPN’s Alex Kirkland.